The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified ongoing operations across the country, resulting in the arrest of 24 terrorist collaborators and informants, the rescue of 379 hostages and kidnapped victims, and the destruction of two illegal refining and crude oil storage sites between June 4 and 11, 2026.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing on military operations conducted across the various theatres of operation nationwide.
According to the Defence Headquarters, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded the highest number of rescues during the period, freeing 367 civilians from terrorist captivity in Borno State. The rescued victims included 360 abductees liberated during a major raid on terrorist hideouts in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area, as well as several women, children and other escapees intercepted by troops after fleeing terrorist camps.
The military high command stated that sustained offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP also disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of several informants, suppliers and collaborators across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and arms dealers in Zamfara State while recovering large quantities of ammunition, communication equipment and motorcycles used by criminal elements.
Similarly, troops of Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace arrested additional terrorist informants and suspected kidnappers in Niger and Plateau States, further weakening criminal networks operating within the regions.
The Defence Headquarters said a total of 24 terrorist collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers were apprehended during the week under review.
Troops also recorded notable successes in rescue operations beyond the North-East. In Plateau State, security forces recovered eight kidnapped passengers during separate search-and-rescue missions, while troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued two kidnap victims in Kogi State after foiling an attempted movement by their abductors.
In the South-South and South-East regions, troops sustained pressure on crude oil thieves and economic saboteurs. Operations in Delta and Imo States led to the discovery and destruction of two illegal refining and crude oil storage facilities, while thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products were recovered.
Major General Onoja said the achievements reflect the determination of the Armed Forces to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, secure communities and protect critical national assets.
He added that the military remains committed to working with other security agencies and local communities to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and restore lasting peace across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, professionalism and sacrifices, urging them to sustain the pressure on terrorists, kidnappers and oil thieves threatening national security.
