The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has arrested no fewer than 56 terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, criminal collaborators, and suspected arms traffickers during coordinated military operations conducted across various theatres nationwide between April 30 and May 7, 2026.
The operations, carried out under different Joint Task Forces in the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East regions, also led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of arms and ammunition, and dismantling of criminal networks threatening national security.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, highlighting intensified military offensives across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East regions.
According to the statement, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Taraba states.
In Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, troops neutralised four terrorists during a night ambush and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition. Soldiers also rescued six women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza LGA and reunited them with their families.
The military further disclosed that several terrorists and collaborators surrendered or were arrested in Yobe and Borno states, while troops repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on a military base in Magumeri, killing scores of insurgents and recovering weapons including PKT anti-aircraft guns and AK-47 rifles.
The operation, however, claimed the lives of two soldiers.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded multiple encounters with terrorists and bandits in Katsina and Zamfara states.
Security forces neutralised several terrorists in Kankia, Kankara, and Dutsinma LGAs of Katsina State, recovering rifles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash.
In Zamfara State, troops repelled an attack on the Forward Operating Base in Bagega, Anka LGA, with air support from Super Tucano aircraft contributing to the neutralisation of additional terrorists.
One soldier was killed during the operation.
In the North Central region, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD and Operation ENDURING PEACE carried out rescue operations and dismantled criminal networks in Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, and the FCT.
Troops rescued kidnapped victims in Kwara and Kogi states, intercepted ammunition couriers in Abuja and Kogi, and arrested several suspected kidnappers and arms traffickers.
A major breakthrough was recorded in Plateau State, where troops uncovered and dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate in Jos South LGA.
Five suspects were arrested while security operatives recovered fabricated AK-47 rifles, pistol components, revolver engines, welding machines, and other weapons-making equipment.
The military also confirmed the rescue of schoolchildren abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Kogi State.
The victims, comprising five boys, two girls, and two women, were rescued from the Agbaja Forest in Lokoja LGA and taken to a military medical facility.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE further rescued 17 kidnap victims along the Okene-Magongo road and neutralised kidnappers during separate operations in Kogi and Benue states.
In the South South region, Operation DELTA SAFE troops rescued multiple kidnap victims and arrested suspected kidnappers during operations in Edo State.
The military said raids conducted in Esan Southeast and Owan East LGAs led to the destruction of criminal camps and the arrest of suspects linked to kidnapping activities.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner in Abia State and recovered illegal Biafran currency notes allegedly linked to separatist activities.
The Armed Forces said the sustained operations across the country demonstrate the military’s commitment to restoring peace and dismantling terrorist and criminal networks nationwide.
The military acknowledged the pain suffered by victims of insecurity and assured Nigerians that troops would continue operations until peace and stability are fully restored across the country.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to protecting lives and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
