The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified military operations across the country, neutralising terrorists, arresting suspected informants and logistics suppliers, dismantling criminal hideouts and rescuing at least 39 abducted persons between August 31 and September 3, 2026.
The operations, conducted across the North East, North West, North Central and South East theatres, were disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a statement issued on Friday, September 4.
According to the military, troops sustained offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers and secessionist elements as part of efforts to protect lives and property and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Troops record gains in North East
In Borno and Yobe states, troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued offensive operations against terrorist groups.
The military said troops neutralised terrorists during engagements in Bama Local Government Area of Borno and Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe, recovering firearms, ammunition and an Improvised Explosive Device initiator.
Troops also intercepted an escapee from terrorist captivity in Bama, who reportedly fled due to hunger and hardship.
Another suspect was arrested in Konduga while allegedly transporting foodstuffs to a terrorist enclave in Bama.
The military further disclosed that a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant was arrested at Damasak in Mobbar LGA, while other suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were apprehended across the theatre.
On September 2, 21 women and children reportedly surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa LGA, citing clashes between rival terrorist factions in the Yaganari enclave.
Another escapee was intercepted near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA, while a suspected terrorist spy was arrested along the Kauwa–Kukawa Road on September 3.
Terrorist kingpins, ammunition intercepted in North West
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded major successes against terrorist networks in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
At Kogo Village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State, troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts and neutralised two terrorist kingpins. Another terrorist reportedly escaped with a gunshot wound, while two motorcycles were destroyed.
In Kaduna State, troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage Village in Giwa LGA and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of grain. The suspect reportedly fled but was neutralised during the encounter.
Troops also ambushed terrorists along the Shinkafi–Zurmi axis in Zamfara, recovering a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, rifle, ammunition and other items.
The operation also resulted in the rescue of six abducted victims in Kebbi State and 23 civilians—three men and 20 women—on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka LGA of Zamfara State.
The victims had reportedly spent about three weeks in captivity and were evacuated for medical attention.
Two additional kidnap victims were rescued along the Dandume–Birnin Gwari Road in Katsina State, with two motorcycles recovered.
In Sokoto State, troops destroyed a terrorist camp in Bilange Forest and recovered military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle.
Troops disrupt kidnapping networks in North Central
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also recorded successes in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.
During a patrol along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, troops engaged two suspected terrorists on a motorcycle, neutralising one while the other escaped.
A pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and assorted charms were recovered.
In Kogi State, troops forced kidnappers who had abducted two women from Ajodomodo Village in Dekina LGA to abandon their victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.
Troops conducting a clearance operation at Peva in Takum LGA of Taraba State also arrested five members of a gang allegedly linked to a wanted gang leader. Ammunition and other items were recovered, while efforts continue to apprehend the gang leader.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected informant for kidnappers at Sabon Gida Village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
In Niger State, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops rescued five male kidnap victims from their farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga LGA.
A suspected terrorist fighter with a gunshot wound was also apprehended in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State following credible intelligence.
Military raids secessionist camps in South East
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against secessionist elements in Anambra and Enugu states.
Two suspects were arrested at Mbosi in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State for allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements operating from their camps.
In Enugu State, troops raided the Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North LGA and arrested a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate accused of orchestrating attacks on security agencies.
CDS commends troops
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their sustained efforts in neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens, receiving surrendered fighters and dismantling criminal and secessionist networks.
Oluyede also praised the cooperation between the military and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.
He urged Nigerians, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security forces to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the military would sustain its current operational tempo until peace, stability and security are fully restored across the various theatres.
