By Bavoriat Clara
Armed Forces Record Major Gains Against Terrorists, Kidnappers, Oil Thieves Nationwide
The Defence Headquarters says the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) sustained major operational successes across the country between May 8 and 14, 2026, with troops neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting collaborators and gunrunners, and recovering large caches of weapons, ammunition, and stolen petroleum products.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said coordinated land and air offensives across various theatres demonstrated the AFN’s resolve to protect lives and restore lasting peace nationwide. According to the statement, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and Yobe states. Troops ambushed a terrorist logistics convoy along the Banki-Kumshe Road in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, forcing insurgents crossing from Cameroon to abandon supplies including fuel, medications, food items, motorcycle parts, and communication equipment.
Troops also repelled a large-scale terrorist attack on a military camp in Buni Gari, Gujba LGA of Yobe State, killing five terrorists, including a foreign national, and recovering weapons and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, although three soldiers lost their lives during the encounter.
The military further disclosed that troops rescued 12 abductees, including women and children, from Ngoshe community in Borno State following air interdiction missions around the Mandara Mountains and clearance operations along the Amuda-Gava corridor.
Additional operations led to the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators and gunrunners in Yobe and Taraba states, while troops in Gamboru Ngala recovered pistols and ammunition abandoned along riverbank routes used by insurgents.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded several breakthroughs against bandits and terrorists across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. Troops arrested a suspected terrorist at a snap checkpoint in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State and recovered incriminating materials, including photographs of the suspect in police uniform with armed associates.
Military offensives in Katsina State resulted in the killing of several terrorists, recovery of weapons and motorcycles, and the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims comprising women, men, and children. Troops also rescued additional kidnap victims in Kaduna and Zamfara states following successful air strikes and ambush operations targeting terrorist enclaves and hideouts.
The Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD and Operation ENDURING PEACE also sustained pressure on criminal elements in Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. In Niger State, troops repelled terrorist attacks around Kafin Koro and recovered weapons, motorcycles, radios, and ammunition, while additional clearance operations yielded more terrorist casualties and weapons. Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers, armed herders, terrorist collaborators, and a gunrunning kingpin in parts of Nasarawa, Plateau, and Kwara states. The military noted that security around the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline and other critical national infrastructure remained effective and uninterrupted.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE carried out successful rescue operations in Benue and Kogi states. Troops neutralised a suspected terrorist during an ambush operation in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State and recovered rifles, ammunition, communication devices, and cash. In Benue State, troops rescued a senior police officer, ASP Usman Ogbobi of PMF 44 Force Headquarters Abuja, alongside another victim abducted along the Ochumekwu-Ugbobi Road.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-crude oil theft and anti-kidnapping operations across Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Rivers states. Troops rescued a kidnap victim in Edo State after responding to a distress call, while operations in Akwa Ibom led to the recovery of about 1,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil traced to Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited. Further anti-illegal bunkering operations in Rivers State uncovered stolen crude oil and galvanised pipes suspected to be part of illegal oil theft infrastructure valued at about N600 million.
Operations against IPOB and ESN elements under Operation UDO KA in the South-East also yielded results, with troops arresting suspects in Abia and Anambra states and recovering locally made firearms and ammunition. Troops additionally arrested a suspected kidnapper linked to the abduction of Mr. Onyebuchi Nwaoha in Abia State after a coordinated pursuit operation.
Beyond combat operations, the AFN said it continued civil-military engagements aimed at strengthening public trust and supporting vulnerable communities. The Nigerian Air Force conducted medical outreach programmes in Maiduguri, providing free healthcare services, relief materials, and health education to residents and displaced persons. In Zamfara State, the Nigerian Army donated 400 bags of fertilizer to farming communities in Maru LGA through Operation FANSAN YAMMA to support food production ahead of the 2026 farming season.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifices in the line of duty. He extended condolences to families of personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice and charged commanders to sustain operational momentum, prioritise troop welfare, and uphold professionalism in protecting civilians.
The CDS reassured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to defeating terrorism, separatist violence, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities threatening national security, while urging citizens to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies.
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