The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes across the country’s various theatres of operation, including the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims, neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of criminal suspects, and recovery of arms and ammunition between June 30 and July 2, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in a press release on ongoing military operations, saying troops sustained robust offensives nationwide against terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
According to him, troops also countered terrorist attacks, intercepted logistics suppliers, recovered weapons and explosives, while additional terrorists and their family members surrendered to military authorities.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at a checkpoint along the Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala Main Supply Route in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. The suspects were intercepted in a pickup vehicle conveying assorted items believed to be destined for terrorist enclaves.
The military also repelled a terrorist attack on Kurnari community in Biu Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat. Troops recovered a handheld radio, locally fabricated explosives, ammunition and other illicit items during the pursuit.
The military further recorded fresh surrenders as the wife of a terrorist and her five children surrendered in Monguno, while another suspected terrorist surrendered in Mobbar Local Government Area after reportedly fleeing a terrorist camp in the Lake Chad region due to harsh living conditions.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued a female kidnap victim during an ambush operation around Kaso near River Shuwaka in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victim had been abducted on June 29 near Gora village in Chikun Local Government Area.
A mobile phone suspected to belong to the fleeing terrorists was recovered for forensic analysis, while troops continue to dominate the area to prevent further attacks.
In the North-Central region, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops, working with other security agencies, raided a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Troops also rescued three kidnap victims, including a soldier abducted along the Akwanga-Gwatu road in Nasarawa State. The soldier has since rejoined his unit, while the civilians were reunited with their families.
In separate rescue operations following distress calls in Benue and Kogi states, troops rescued six additional kidnap victims after suspected kidnappers fled on sighting security forces. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals and rescue other victims.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested two suspected kidnappers in Ibillo, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State after their suspicious movements around a hotel raised concerns.
Preliminary investigations indicated the suspects had earlier sought information about military patrol schedules around the hotel, suggesting a planned kidnapping operation. They have been handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified operations against suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), across the South-East.
In Anambra State, troops engaged suspected IPOB/ESN fighters in a gun battle around Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area, neutralising one suspect while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
In Abia State, troops acting on intelligence attempted to arrest a suspected cultist in Aba North Local Government Area. Although the suspect escaped, he abandoned a locally made pistol recovered by the troops.
Further operations in Imo State led to the arrest of a suspected armourer and logistics courier allegedly supplying weapons to criminal groups terrorising oil companies in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. Troops recovered assault rifles, magazines and large quantities of ammunition.
Similarly, in Enugu State, troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN member and gunrunner during a raid in Trans-Ekulu. Recovered items included pump-action guns, a pistol, assorted ammunition, vehicle number plates and materials suspected to be used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices.
Commending troops for their gallantry and professionalism, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, reaffirmed the military’s determination to sustain operations until terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities are decisively defeated.
He said the successes recorded across the country’s operational theatres demonstrated the effectiveness of the Armed Forces’ multi-theatre strategy in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
General Oluyede also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military with credible and timely intelligence, while commending other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their continued collaboration in ongoing operations.
