Another striking record as the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant gains against terrorism and kidnapping between May 25–28, 2026, neutralising over 15 terrorists and rescuing 179 abducted victims across multiple theatres, Defence Headquarters said Thursday.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, said the operations demonstrated “professionalism, valour, and unwavering commitment” of troops under Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
In North East – Operation HADIN KAI he said
Troops killed 2 terrorists on May 24 during a patrol at Akate, Taraba State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. On May 27 at Lima, Biu LGA, Borno State, indirect fire forced a large terrorist group to withdraw; 5 were later found dead with 169 rounds of NATO ammunition recovered, no troop casualties. Another 4 terrorists were neutralised May 28 in an ambush at Kasaicia, Yobe State.
A suspected collaborator, Alhaji Gambo, was arrested in Monguno, Borno State on May 25. Troops also received 4 escapees — 1 male, 3 females — abducted from Ngoshe community on March 3, who were rescued by Cameroon Defence Force and handed over in Kirawa on May 27. One male family member of a suspected terrorist surrendered May 27 at Kimbe enclave, Gwoza LGA, citing “unbearable conditions”.
North West – Operation FANSAN YAMMA
In Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, troops killed Mallam Mau’re, a foot soldier of terrorist kingpin Muhammadu Fulani, on May 27 along Sayaya Road, Katsina, recovering an AK-47 and motorcycle. Two terrorists were neutralised May 27 at Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja, Zamfara, with fabricated rifles and 4 motorcycles destroyed.
On May 28, troops at FOB Bagega, Zamfara, rescued 31 kidnapped victims along Bagega–Kawaye Road after an NAF airstrike forced their escape from captivity. A suspected Lakurawa terrorist member was arrested May 26 at Tungan Giwa, Kebbi, with photos of armed suspects found on his phone.
North Central – Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD & ENDURING PEACE
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD achieved a major humanitarian breakthrough May 27 when 148 victims — 2 men, 146 women and children — were released by terrorists operating from Kuyambana Forest, Zamfara. They had been kidnapped 3 months earlier from Galma Village, Niger State, and were handed to Bangi LGA authorities for reunification.
In Kaduna, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops killed notorious kidnap kingpin Idi Yaya on May 26 at Kikoba, Kauru LGA, after he tried to escape. Troops also repelled an attack at Lusuru Village, Zangon Kataf LGA same day, rescuing 2 injured victims.
North Central – Operation WHIRL STROKE
Troops in Benue State arrested 2 suspected drug dealers’ associates May 27 at Makurdi High Level area and recovered illicit drugs, methamphetamine, 5 Android phones, POS machine, and cash. A Toyota vehicle used for drug distribution was impounded May 23 with 503 pieces of suspected illicit drugs seized.
South South – Operation DELTA SAFE
Joint troops with police killed 1 kidnapper May 28 in an ambush along Ohe–Uzea Road, Edo State, recovering a locally made gun, cartridges, cutlass, ATM card, and voters card bearing the name Ibrahim Abdulraman. Another suspect was arrested May 27 during clearance operations in Owan East LGA forests, with 2 dane guns recovered.
South East – Operation UDO KA
Troops arrested IPOB/ESN kingpin “Dragon” alias Chinedu Opete and one other May 26 at Ete Eyinmagwu, Ebonyi State, recovering military belt and berets with IPOB/ESN insignia. Two suspects apprehended May 27 at Owaza, Abia State for attempted farm produce theft and abduction were handed to troops.
CDS Pledges Sustained Offensive
Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed AFN’s commitment to protecting lives and territorial integrity. “The fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality will be prosecuted to a conclusive and decisive end,” he said.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence, assuring every tip will be treated confidentially and acted on promptly.
