THE Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded significant operational successes across the country over the past week, with troops neutralising scores of terrorists, rescuing 68 kidnap victims, and seizing more than 148,000 litres of illegally refined fuel, the Defence Headquarters has disclosed.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military had sustained its offensive against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and economic sabotage between 18 and 25 June 2026, with notable gains in all six geo-political zones.
North-East: Surrenders and Rescues
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued to degrade the operational capacity of terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin and Borno State. On 19 June, two teenage girls believed to be relatives of terrorists surrendered to troops at Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area, citing unbearable pressure and shortages within the camps.
On the same day, a patrol in Ngoshe community rescued five abducted civilians—two women and three children—who had been held since a March attack. Two days later, a fighting patrol to Jemu in Kukawa LGA recovered and evacuated 27 surrendered terrorists and their families, including 12 adults and 15 children, who were airlifted to Maiduguri for medical checks and processing. Troops also rescued eight escapees, among them a toddler and the widow of a Civilian Joint Task Force member killed in March.
On 24 June, troops along the Buratai-Kamuya Road freed 53 civilians—20 men, 28 women, and five children—alongside eight hijacked vehicles. In a separate engagement on 22 June, two suspected terrorist spies were neutralised at Banki in Bama LGA after they were observed crossing the border to monitor troop movements and procure supplies.
North-West: Arrests and Ambushes
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops arrested four suspected terrorists in Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara State on 20 June, and pre-empted an attack on Gamdanda village in Gummi LGA by springing an ambush, forcing the assailants to retreat and recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, motorcycles, and food supplies.
On the same day, a covert operation at Gusau International Airport led to the arrest of three suspects with ties to terrorist networks as they processed pilgrim flights. Clearance operations in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State yielded two bandit scouts, one wearing camouflage, while raids in Katsina and Zamfara between 21 and 23 June resulted in multiple neutralisations and the recovery of PKT machine guns, ammunition, motorcycles, and military uniforms.
In Kano State, a raid on a hideout in Dambatta LGA on 21 June produced one arrest and two locally made firearms.
South-West: Kidnap Gang Busted
In Ogun State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD responded to a kidnapping at Ogbe village in Obafemi Owode LGA on 24 June. A swift clearance operation into a forest hideout led to the neutralisation of two kidnappers, with others fleeing with gunshot wounds. Recovered items included a single-barrel gun, cartridges, mobile phones, and ₦2.2 million in cash—evidence of the financial motives driving such crimes.
North-Central: Arms Interdiction
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops intercepted a vehicle along the Sokoto-Kano highway on 21 June, recovering two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, 67 rounds of ammunition, two Beretta pistols, handheld radios, and camouflage jackets—disrupting a major arms supply pipeline into the North-Central zone. The courier escaped on foot but abandoned the vehicle.
In Nasarawa State, security forces on patrol along the Toto-Abaji Road arrested a suspect found with 174 rounds of ammunition who could not explain its origin.
Federal Capital Territory: Terror Suspect Arrested
Operation ENDURING PEACE troops arrested a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint in Gwagwalada Area Council on 21 June after he attempted to bribe soldiers to avoid a search. Forensic examination of his mobile phones revealed photographs of him and others brandishing arms and large sums of cash, providing compelling evidence of terrorist involvement.
South-South: Fuel Theft and Kidnap Rescues
Operation DELTA SAFE delivered significant blows to illicit fuel networks in Rivers State. On 19 June, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER intercepted a wooden boat at the APS Jetty in Woji containing 375 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), estimated at 103,500 litres. On 22 June, NNS SOROH personnel in Abua/Odual LGA seized a Toyota Camry packed with 17 sacks of illegal diesel, and recovered an additional 56 sacks from hidden storage points, totalling 63,290 litres.
Also on 22 June, a truck conveying 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated AGO was intercepted along the Itu-Calabar Road in Akwa Ibom State.
In Edo State, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers at Ososo Community following identification by a victim, Mrs Success Sikiru, who had been abducted along with her husband and infant in May. Syringes and drug tablets were recovered, indicating the use of chemical incapacitation. On 23 June, a rescue operation in Uhiere Forest freed two abducted men—Mr Friday Agbiloson and Mr Hammed Salisu—after the kidnappers fled on sighting troops.
A joint raid in Balep Community, Ikom LGA of Cross River State, on 25 June led to three arrests and the recovery of Dane guns, a locally made pistol, ammunition, and camouflage gear.
South-East: Crackdown on Separatists
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops conducted clearance operations along the Imo-Rivers border on 18 June, arresting a suspected logistics courier who was later neutralised after attempting to escape. On 23 June, troops engaged IPOB/ESN members dressed in military and police uniforms along the Ogboji-Ajali Road in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State, neutralising three and recovering a PKM machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, a Toyota Sienna vehicle, mobile phones, and police uniforms.
Air Strikes in Kaduna
In support of ground operations, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision air interdiction missions in Kaduna State. On 19 June, air assets tracked terrorists on motorcycles to their hideout in Yadi Forest, Giwa LGA, executing strikes that neutralised the fighters and destroyed logistics stores. A follow-up mission on 22 June targeted additional terrorists in the Kidandan area, killing four and forcing the rest to flee. Local communities have expressed appreciation for the operations, which have significantly curtailed terrorist freedom of movement in the region.
Military Vows to Sustain Pressure
Maj. Gen. Onoja said the week’s achievements—including neutralisations, rescues, arms seizures, fuel interdictions, and voluntary surrenders—demonstrate the “steady and irreversible degradation” of criminal and terrorist organisations.
“The AFN remains resolutely committed to the pursuit of all violent elements,” he declared, adding that the military would intensify collaboration with other security agencies, community stakeholders, and traditional institutions to consolidate gains.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry and discipline, and extended gratitude to civilian communities, vigilante groups, and intelligence partners for their critical support. He assured Nigerians that operations would be sustained until all theatres are stabilised and displaced persons can return home in safety and dignity.
