The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded sweeping operational successes across all theatres of operation in April 2026, neutralising 201 terrorists and rescuing 188 kidnapped victims in coordinated land and air offensives nationwide.
This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during the monthly press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, where he highlighted intensified military actions and their impact across the country’s security landscape.
According to the briefing, troops operating under various joint task forces sustained relentless pressure on terrorist and criminal elements across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East regions, leading to significant degradation of insurgent capabilities and disruption of their logistics networks.
In the North East, Operation HADIN KAI recorded some of the most decisive engagements of the month, with dozens of insurgents neutralised, key enclaves destroyed, and multiple weapons recovered. Troops successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks, particularly in Yobe and Borno States, while also rescuing captives, including women and children, from terrorist strongholds.
Similarly, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West delivered precision strikes against bandit networks, resulting in the rescue of 70 kidnapped victims, including worshippers and vulnerable civilians. Several terrorist hideouts were dismantled across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Sokoto States, further weakening criminal strongholds.
In the North Central region, Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE, and WHIRL STROKE intensified anti-kidnapping and counter-terrorism operations. Troops neutralised scores of terrorists, dismantled camps, and rescued victims across Niger, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, and Kogi States. Notably, coordinated responses to attacks in vulnerable communities led to the safe recovery of abducted persons and the arrest of key suspects.
Operations in the South South under DELTA SAFE focused on disrupting criminal networks and illegal oil activities, leading to the recovery of over 101,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and the rescue of kidnapped civilians in Delta and Edo States.
Meanwhile, in the South East, Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on proscribed armed groups, dismantling their camps, arresting key operatives, and disrupting their logistics and medical support networks. Targeted raids and intelligence-led operations also led to the recovery of weapons and the rescue of kidnap victims.
Beyond combat operations, the AFN expanded its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives, engaging local communities through peace meetings, agricultural support programmes, and outreach activities aimed at fostering trust and long-term stability. These efforts were carried out in several states, including Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Plateau.
Major General Onoja emphasised that the successes recorded were made possible through close collaboration with other security agencies and the support of local communities, whose intelligence contributions have remained critical to operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to professionalism and adherence to international humanitarian laws, noting that all operations were conducted within established rules of engagement.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and resilience, while urging them to sustain operational momentum. He also paid tribute to fallen personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of the nation’s security.
The Defence Headquarters called on Nigerians to continue supporting the military with credible information, stressing that national security remains a collective responsibility.
With sustained offensives and strengthened community engagement, the AFN reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate all threats to peace and security across the country.
