By Helen Udo.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant operational successes across the country between 28 May and 4 June 2026, sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, and other criminal elements through coordinated land and air operations.
Across various theatres of operation, troops arrested 35 terror suspects and collaborators, neutralized 5 terrorists, rescued 11 kidnapped victims and escapees, and recovered arms, ammunition, motorcycles, explosives, and other operational items.
In a a press statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations(DDMO), Major General Micheal Onoja revealed that in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected kidnapper in Borno State who confessed to receiving weapons from terrorists and using them for kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities across several communities.
According to him “Troops also arrested multiple terrorist collaborators and informants in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Bauchi States, disrupting support networks aiding Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.
“A man who escaped from a terrorist camp in Kangarwa surrendered to troops with ammunition and other items, while additional escapees and family members of terrorists voluntarily surrendered due to sustained military pressure, the statement said.
Further operations in Kukawa and Ngala LGAs led to the recovery of ammunition, the neutralization of a terrorist scout, and the rescue of several individuals who escaped from terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains and Saha axis.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, troops neutralized terrorists during engagements in Katsina and Zamfara States, destroyed terrorist camps, and recovered weapons and ammunition.
Troops also foiled an attempted abduction of farmers in Zamfara State, arrested a terrorist informant in Kaduna State, and apprehended a notorious terrorist kingpin hiding among traders in Shinkafi market.
In Niger State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD successfully repelled a terrorist ambush during a fighting patrol, neutralizing scores of terrorists and recovering motorcycles and large quantities of ammunition.
The operation also led to the arrest of a wanted terrorist informant linked to previous attacks in Borgu LGA, while cooperation with security forces from neighbouring Benin Republic further strengthened border security efforts.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops in Kaduna State rescued five kidnapped passengers after discovering an abandoned vehicle and immediately launching a search and rescue mission into nearby forests.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes across Kogi, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, neutralizing a terrorist, arresting a suspected gunrunner, and recovering weapons and ammunition.
Security forces also dismantled illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State, arresting five suspects and recovering explosives, generators, motorcycles, and other equipment used for unlawful operations.
Additional operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States led to the rescue of kidnap victims, the arrest of suspects involved in extortion, and the recovery of more weapons linked to criminal networks.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested several suspected kidnappers in Edo State, foiled planned abductions, and apprehended suspects connected to the murder of a farmer during a failed kidnapping attempt.
Troops also recovered locally fabricated firearms and motorcycles during a raid on an abandoned vigilante post in Delta State, preventing the weapons from falling into criminal hands.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops arrested suspected members of IPOB/ESN in Abia and Anambra States, while a swift intervention in Ebonyi State led to the rescue of abducted community leaders and the arrest of three suspects involved in a hostage taking incident.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians and maintaining pressure on all criminal and terrorist groups nationwide.
