By Helen Udo.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant operational successes across all theatres of operation between 19 and 25 June 2026, intensifying counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping, anti-oil theft, and anti-arms proliferation operations nationwide.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Micheal Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on friday, stating that the military remains committed to restoring peace and security across the country.
During the week, troops neutralized at least 51 terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, rescued 103 kidnapped and abducted civilians, arrested dozens of criminal suspects, intercepted arms traffickers, and recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition, military uniforms, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, and over 212,000 litres of suspected illegally refined and adulterated petroleum products.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on terrorists, forcing the surrender of 27 terrorists and their family members, while two teenage girls linked to terrorist groups also surrendered. Troops rescued abducted women and children, including victims held since March 2026, while successfully repelling coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno State.
The operation also recorded major tactical victories with the rescue of 53 civilians and recovery of eight hijacked vehicles along the Buratai-Kamuya road. Troops further neutralized two suspected terrorist spies attempting to infiltrate Nigeria through the border at Banki and recovered weapons and ammunition during various engagements.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested several terrorist suspects in Zamfara, Kaduna and Kano States while foiling planned attacks on communities through intelligence-led ambushes. Security personnel also intercepted suspected terrorist collaborators arriving through Gusau International Airport.
Offensive operations in Katsina and Zamfara States led to the neutralization of several bandits, recovery of PKT machine guns, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, motorcycles, camouflage uniforms, chains used for kidnapping victims, and other military equipment intended for criminal activities.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded a major breakthrough in Ogun State by neutralizing two kidnappers during a rescue operation following a kidnapping incident. Troops recovered firearms, cartridges, mobile phones and ₦2.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops arrested a suspected terrorist at Gwagwalada Area Council after he attempted to bribe security personnel at a checkpoint. Forensic analysis of his mobile phones uncovered photographs linking him to terrorist activities, including images showing weapons, ammunition and cash.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE dealt a significant blow to arms trafficking by intercepting weapons being transported into the North Central region. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, Beretta pistols, magazines, ammunition, camouflage jackets and communication radios, while another suspect transporting 174 rounds of ammunition was arrested in Nasarawa State.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft, intercepting over 211,000 litres of suspected illegally refined and adulterated petroleum products across Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. Security forces also dismantled illegal supply chains supporting economic sabotage.
Troops further arrested suspected kidnappers in Edo State following the identification of the suspects by one of their victims. Two kidnapped persons were rescued during a separate operation after troops stormed a criminal hideout, while another joint raid in Cross River State led to the recovery of firearms, cartridges and military gear.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops sustained pressure on armed criminal groups by neutralizing three IPOB/ESN members during a gun battle in Anambra State.
Troops recovered a PKM machine gun, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, police uniforms, mobile phones and a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
The Defence Headquarters commended the gallantry of troops nationwide and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations until lasting peace and security are restored across Nigeria.
