Nigerian Military Records Major Operational Successes, Rescues Scores of Victims Nationwide

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

 The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes across various theatres of operation between June 12 and 18, 2026, resulting in the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of terrorist collaborators, recovery of weapons, and disruption of illegal oil-bunkering activities.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said troops sustained offensive operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and economic saboteurs across the country, leading to notable gains in national security.

North-East Operations

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno State. Several civilians were rescued during military operations in Gubio, Gwoza, and Bama Local Government Areas.

Notably, troops on June 17 repelled an attack by approximately 60 motorcycle-riding terrorists along the Pulka-Maraba-Kirawa Road in Gwoza LGA, forcing the insurgents to retreat while abandoning 817 rounds of ammunition and three motorcycles.

Security forces also arrested key terrorist collaborators, including Abubakar Usman, alias "Buba," who allegedly lured repentant insurgents back to terrorist enclaves for execution. Additional arrests were made in Kukawa and Gwoza LGAs following intelligence-led operations.

North-West Offensive

Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops conducted clearance and fighting patrols across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.

Military operations led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, destruction of camps, and recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and improvised explosive device (IED) equipment.

The military also rescued multiple

 kidnapping victims. Seven abductees escaped captivity in Zamfara State following sustained air strikes on terrorist hideouts, while five others were rescued during separate operations in Kaduna and Zamfara states.

A suspected terrorist collaborator, identified as 19-year-old Sani Abdu Danfulani, was arrested along the Kaura Namoda–Zurmi Road and is currently under investigation.

Major Arrests in North-Central

Troops of Operation Savannah Shield recorded significant breakthroughs in Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, and Niger states.

On June 16, security forces arrested Hafsatu Alh Bello, wife of a notorious terrorist leader, Auta Ilori, near Ndeji in Kwara State. According to the military, she provided useful intelligence during preliminary interrogation.

The same day, four suspected terrorists were arrested in Oyo State, with investigators reportedly discovering photographs showing some suspects dressed in military camouflage and carrying assault rifles.

Further operations in Kwara led to the arrest of two additional suspects linked to terrorist networks operating in Kogi and Kaduna states.

Meanwhile, Operation Enduring Peace troops in Plateau and Kaduna states arrested suspected kidnappers and illegal arms possessors, including a dismissed police inspector found with weapons and ammunition.

Operations Against Kidnappers in Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops sustained anti-kidnapping operations across Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

In Benue State, several abducted persons were rescued and three suspected kidnappers captured following a search operation by local youths and security personnel.

Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Kogi State and intercepted an alleged ammunition courier transporting concealed rounds of ammunition along the Awe–Lafia Road in Nasarawa State.

Five victims were additionally rescued after fleeing terrorists abandoned them following a successful military air strike on the camp of a notorious criminal leader.

Crackdown on Oil Theft in South-South

Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region.

Troops intercepted a truck carrying approximately 45,000 litres of illegally acquired petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State and seized another 20,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during a joint operation with Tantita Security Services in Rivers State.

A major fuel dump was also dismantled in Bayelsa State.

Security forces further arrested suspected members of kidnapping syndicates during separate operations in Edo State, disrupting criminal networks involved in ransom-related crimes.

South-East Operations

Troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained operations against criminal and separatist groups in the South-East.

In Abia State, security operatives arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN logistics supplier linked to kidnapping activities.

In Imo State, troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN commander identified as Chima Ejiofor Emmanuel, popularly known as "Moroco," while he was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Okigwe. Military authorities said the suspect confessed to participating in the group's activities before disengaging due to health challenges.

Air Support for Abuja-Kaduna Train

The Nigerian Air Force also provided aerial security support to the Abuja-Kaduna train service on June 12 after the train developed a technical fault during transit.

A military helicopter conducted surveillance along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor, including adjoining rail tracks and surrounding communities, to ensure the safety of passengers until normalcy was restored.

Community Support Initiatives

As part of its Civil-Military Cooperation activities, the military distributed 40 bags of fertiliser to selected farmers in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State to support agricultural production and strengthen relations with host communities.

Military Reaffirms Commitment

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and collaboration with other security agencies.

He reassured Nigerians that military operations would continue until all criminal elements are eliminated and lasting peace is restored across the country.

The Defence Headquarters also urged citizens to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information, stressing that national security remains a collective responsibility.