The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational successes across various theatres of operation between May 8 and 14, 2026, neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted victims, arresting criminal collaborators and recovering arms, ammunition and stolen petroleum products.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.
According to the Defence Headquarters, troops sustained coordinated land and air offensives against terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers and oil thieves in the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East regions.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba states. Troops on ambush along the Banki-Kumshe Road in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State intercepted a terrorist logistics convoy crossing into Nigeria from Cameroon, forcing the insurgents to abandon supplies including fuel, medications, motorcycle parts and food items.
At Buni Gari in Gujba LGA of Yobe State, troops repelled a large-scale terrorist attack on their camp, killing five terrorists, including a foreign national. Recovered items included a General Purpose Machine Gun, AK-47 rifle, RPG tube, ammunition and cash. Three soldiers were, however, killed during the encounter.
The military also rescued 12 abductees, mostly women and children from Ngoshe community in Borno State following clearance and air interdiction operations around the Mandara Mountains and the Amuda-Gava corridor.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded successes against armed bandits in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states. Troops rescued 32 kidnapped victims during an offensive operation in Matazu LGA of Katsina State. The victims comprised women, men and children.
The operation also led to the recovery of arms, motorcycles and livestock stolen by terrorists.
In another operation, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kaduna State and neutralised two terrorists attempting to destroy Nigerian Immigration Service infrastructure near the Niger Republic border in Sokoto State.
In the North Central, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD and Operation ENDURING PEACE conducted several rescue and clearance operations across Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau and the FCT.
Troops successfully repelled attacks on military positions in Niger State and recovered weapons, motorcycles and communication equipment from fleeing terrorists. Security around the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, according to the military, remained effective and uninterrupted.
In Plateau and Nasarawa states, troops arrested suspected kidnappers, gunrunners and armed herders linked to violent attacks and kidnapping operations.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised a suspected terrorist during an ambush operation in Kogi State and recovered rifles, ammunition, motorcycles and communication gadgets. Troops also rescued two kidnap victims, including a senior police officer identified as ASP Usman Ogbobi, who escaped from captivity in Benue State.
In the South South region, Operation DELTA SAFE recorded gains against kidnappers and oil thieves. Troops rescued a kidnap victim in Edo State after responding to a distress call around a hotel in Esan West LGA.
The military also uncovered stolen petroleum products and illegal crude oil storage sites in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. In Rivers State, troops discovered galvanised pipes worth about N600 million suspected to be connected to crude oil theft operations.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against IPOB/ESN elements in Abia and Anambra states. Security forces arrested suspects linked to kidnapping and illegal weapons possession during separate operations.
The Defence Headquarters also highlighted ongoing civil-military relations efforts by the Armed Forces. The Nigerian Air Force conducted a medical outreach programme in Maiduguri, providing free healthcare services, medications and relief materials to residents, including displaced persons and flood victims.
In Zamfara State, the Nigerian Army donated 400 bags of fertiliser to farming communities in Maru LGA to support food production and strengthen relations with local communities ahead of the 2026 farming season.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, resilience and sacrifices in ongoing operations nationwide.
He extended condolences to families of fallen personnel and reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to defeating terrorism, kidnapping, separatist violence and crude oil theft across the country.
The Defence Headquarters also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to enhance national security efforts.
