The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country, rescuing at least 51 kidnapped victims, neutralising terrorists and criminal elements, arresting suspected collaborators and arms couriers, and dismantling illegal refining and bunkering networks.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday while providing an update on military operations conducted across the country between August 14 and 20, 2026.
According to him, the operations formed part of sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to combat terrorism, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other forms of criminality while protecting lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI conducted operations across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states, rescuing eight kidnapped victims during clearance operations in Gwamnare Forest in Bauchi State, although two victims were killed by their captors before troops intervened.
Troops also neutralised terrorists during separate engagements in Borno State, rescued a 63-year-old Cameroonian national abducted along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis, and recovered weapons and ammunition.
The military further disclosed that 47 terrorist family members, comprising women and children, surrendered to troops in parts of Borno State between August 16 and 20, citing hunger, insecurity and factional clashes within terrorist enclaves.
Similarly, six terrorist fighters surrendered to troops in Kukawa Local Government Area, while another suspect was arrested with ammunition during a cordon-and-search operation in Maiduguri.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations across Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states, neutralising four terrorists during separate engagements.
The troops also rescued 28 abducted victims during operations across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states.
In a major breakthrough against terrorist logistics networks, troops arrested suspects linked to the movement of 180 units of Super Power Explosives allegedly destined for terrorists in Katsina State.
Several suspected terrorist collaborators and informants were also arrested in Zamfara and Kano states.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued 13 victims in Kogi State after forcing kidnappers to release them.
Troops also neutralised a suspected kidnap gang leader in Nasarawa State and another terrorist in Benue State, while several weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a locally fabricated pistol, were recovered during separate operations in Taraba and Benue states.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops responded to security threats in Plateau State, rescuing a gunshot victim and recovering firearms and ammunition during raids on the residences of identified suspects.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised a terrorist in Kwara State and rescued seven kidnapped victims found wandering in nearby bushes.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested suspected kidnappers and intercepted a suspect allegedly transporting seven locally made pistols, ammunition and a camouflage vest.
Troops operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL also disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered approximately 85,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil concealed in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops sustained offensives against suspected secessionist groups and illegal oil bunkering syndicates across Abia, Anambra, Imo and Rivers states.
The troops safely disarmed several Improvised Explosive Devices in Imo and Anambra states, including 11 IEDs during clearance operations towards the area known as “Mother Valley” in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Three suspects were arrested during the dismantling of an illegal bunkering site in Abia State, while other suspects linked to attacks on troops were arrested in Rivers State.
Major General Onoja also disclosed that the Armed Forces continued their Civil-Military Cooperation activities, with the Nigerian Navy commissioning a solar-powered water project for residents of Ward F2 in Surulere, Lagos State.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and successes across the various theatres of operation.
Oluyede also sympathised with families of victims who lost their lives and wished injured security personnel a speedy recovery.
The CDS praised the collaboration between the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders, describing their synergy as critical to the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and economic sabotage.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reassured citizens of its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations until peace, stability and security are restored across the country.
