By Helen Udo.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant operational successes across all theatres between 17 and 23 July 2026, sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements through coordinated internal security and counter-terrorism operations.
Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested more than 50 suspects, rescued 22 kidnapped victims and recovered assorted weapons, ammunition and logistics, while maintaining security along strategic road and rail corridors.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja(DDMO) Revealed in a statement that in
the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI dealt a major blow to Boko Haram and ISWAP by eliminating senior terrorist commander and propaganda chief Abu Salim Al-Barnawi during operations in Borno State.
Air strikes by the Nigerian Army Aviation also neutralised scores of terrorists in Bama, while troops foiled an attempted terrorist infiltration of the University of Maiduguri, killing two attackers and strengthening security around the institution.
Clearance operations in Borno and Yobe States led to the destruction of terrorist hideouts and the recovery of a pump-action gun, AK-47 magazines and other combat items. Troops also maintained offensive patrols, neutralising another fleeing terrorist during operations in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Operation HADIN KAI also recorded major humanitarian and intelligence successes by rescuing a mother and two children alongside two young girls from captivity in Gwoza Local Government Area. Security forces arrested suspected ISWAP members, logistics suppliers, foreign fighters, terrorist collaborators, kidnappers and illegal miners across Borno, Yobe and Bauchi States, bringing the total arrests in the theatre to more than 40 suspects.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested terrorist collaborators in Kaduna State for allegedly supplying intelligence, logistics and support to criminal groups. Troops repelled attacks in Zamfara, recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition and rescued eleven kidnapped passengers after confronting terrorists along the Gummi-Sokoto Road.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD achieved another breakthrough in Kwara State, where troops working alongside local vigilantes and forest guards neutralised four kidnappers, arrested two suspects and rescued one kidnapped victim during a search-and-rescue mission in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State, troops recovered a locally fabricated rifle and ammunition from a suspected criminal hideout before responding to violent attacks in Riyom Local Government Area. Fierce exchanges forced armed assailants to retreat into surrounding highlands as security forces continued operations to restore peace.
Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded major gains across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi States. Troops rescued five kidnapped victims, neutralised two terrorists, arrested suspected militia members, terrorist suspects, logistics suppliers, couriers and informants, while recovering AK-47 rifles, G3 rifles, pistols and ammunition during multiple clearance operations.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the fight against crude oil theft by dismantling illegal refining sites and bunkering camps across Rivers State.
Troops recovered thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products alongside ovens, reservoirs, storage facilities, pipes and other equipment used for illegal refining activities.
Joint security operations in Edo and Rivers States also led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, arms suppliers, gun runners and oil theft suspects. Security forces intercepted six vehicles conveying products suspected to be stolen crude oil and handed several suspects to relevant authorities for further investigation.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on separatist agitators and criminal elements by arresting three suspected IPOB/ESN members in Enugu State. A separate raid on a forest hideout along the Rivers axis led to the recovery of Lee-Enfield and G3 rifles, more than 120 rounds of ammunition and the destruction of a criminal base used for kidnappings and attacks on security agencies.
Across all operational theatres, troops recorded the arrest of more than 50 suspects, rescued 22 kidnapped victims and recovered multiple rifles, fabricated firearms, magazines, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles and logistics used by terrorists, kidnappers, separatist groups, militias and oil thieves.
Operations also disrupted terrorist supply chains, dismantled criminal camps and denied armed groups freedom of movement.
DDMO said the achievements demonstrate the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s professionalism and determination to defeat terrorism and other forms of criminality. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and continue supporting security agencies in ongoing operations.
