The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant operational successes by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), including the neutralisation of 16 terrorists, the arrest of several criminal suspects, and the rescue of 179 kidnapped victims across multiple theatres of operation between May 25 and 28, 2026.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the achievements during a press briefing on the ongoing military operations across the country.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on terrorist elements, neutralising 11 terrorists in separate engagements across Taraba, Borno, and Yobe states. Troops also recovered weapons, ammunition, communication devices, and other items from the insurgents.
The military further reported the surrender of a family member of a suspected terrorist in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, citing harsh living conditions and sustained military pressure. Four abducted civilians rescued by the Cameroon Defence Force were also handed over to Nigerian troops and received medical attention.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West, troops arrested a suspected member of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Kebbi State and neutralised three terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states. The troops also rescued 31 kidnapped victims in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State following a Nigerian Air Force airstrike that disrupted the activities of their captors.
In a major humanitarian breakthrough, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD facilitated the release of 148 kidnapped victims, mostly women and children, who had spent more than three months in captivity after being abducted from Galma Village in Niger State. The victims were subsequently handed over to local authorities for reunification with their families.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Kaduna State rescued two injured victims following a terrorist attack in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area and neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya during a raid on his hideout in Kauru Local Government Area.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensified efforts against drug trafficking networks in Benue State, arresting suspects and recovering large quantities of suspected illicit drugs, mobile phones, cash, and other items linked to criminal activities.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, working alongside security agencies, conducted clearance operations in Edo State, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of firearms. In a separate ambush operation, troops neutralised a suspected kidnapper and recovered weapons, hard drugs, and personal belongings believed to belong to members of the criminal gang.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN commander known as "Dragon" during a raid in Ebonyi State. Troops also took custody of two suspects linked to attempted abduction and theft of farm produce in Abia State.
Major General Onoja stated that the successes recorded during the week demonstrate the Armed Forces' commitment to defeating terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the country.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the military's determination to sustain ongoing operations and provide troops with the necessary support to achieve lasting peace and security.
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical in the fight against insecurity.
