The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have sustained their nationwide offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and oil thieves, neutralising 16 terrorists, arresting 19 suspects and recording significant operational successes across all theatres of operation between 19 and 25 June 2026.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in its weekly operational press release on Friday signed by Major General Michael Onoja, the Director Defence Media Operations, troops of the various Joint Task Forces also rescued scores of kidnapped victims, received surrendered terrorists and their family members, intercepted large caches of arms and ammunition, and disrupted major crude oil theft and illegal fuel distribution networks.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued to weaken terrorist groups through sustained military pressure. Two teenage girls linked to terrorist families surrendered in Gwoza, while troops rescued abducted women and children in Ngoshe and recovered 27 surrendered terrorists and their family members in Kukawa. Additional escapees were also rescued. Troops further repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in Buratai, rescued 53 civilians and eight hijacked vehicles, and neutralised two suspected terrorist spies attempting to infiltrate Nigerian territory.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded major gains through intelligence-led operations and ambushes across Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states. Troops arrested suspected terrorists and collaborators, foiled planned attacks, neutralised four terrorists during separate engagements, and recovered PKT machine guns, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, motorcycles and military uniforms used by criminals to impersonate security personnel.
In the South West, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised two kidnappers during a rescue operation in Ogun State and recovered weapons, mobile phones and ₦2.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops arrested a suspected terrorist at Gwagwalada in the FCT after forensic examination of his mobile phones revealed photographs linking him to terrorist activities.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE disrupted illegal arms trafficking by intercepting a vehicle loaded with AK-47 rifles, Beretta pistols, magazines, ammunition, communication equipment and camouflage jackets along the Sokoto-Kano highway. Another suspect conveying 174 rounds of ammunition was arrested in Nasarawa State.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE dealt significant blows to economic sabotage, intercepting 211,790 litres of suspected illegally refined and adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in separate operations across Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers in Edo State, rescued two abducted victims from a forest hideout and apprehended three additional suspects in Cross River State while recovering firearms and other military equipment.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on criminal elements operating in the region. Troops neutralised a suspected logistics courier who attempted to escape after arrest and later killed three IPOB/ESN fighters during a gun battle in Anambra State. They recovered a PKM machine gun, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, police uniforms, mobile phones and a vehicle.
The Nigerian Air Force also intensified air interdiction missions in Kaduna State, carrying out precision strikes that neutralised four terrorists and destroyed their hideouts after tracking them from the air.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and professionalism, while appreciating the support of local communities, vigilante groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force and other security agencies.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining offensive operations until terrorist and criminal groups are completely dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the country.
