The Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralised at least seven terrorists and arrested 31 suspects in intensified counter-terrorism, kidnapping and criminality operations conducted across the country between September 11 and 17, 2026.
The operations also led to the destruction of one illegal oil-bunkering site and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and other military-related items across several theatres of operation.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement detailing the activities of the Armed Forces during the period.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Adamawa State, while several terrorist fighters were neutralised during operations in Borno State. Troops also rescued abducted persons, including 14 victims around Armuda and Gava in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Two terrorist fighters subsequently surrendered in Bama, Borno State, with three AK-47 rifles and other weapons, while another repentant terrorist surrendered with an AK-47 rifle, a hand grenade and an improvised explosive device.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised two terrorists during an interception operation in Katsina State and rescued several abducted victims across Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states. Troops also arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, collaborators and informants linked to kidnapping and terrorist networks.
In the North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops neutralised five terrorists in separate operations in Kwara and Niger states. They also rescued 22 kidnap victims in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State after terrorists abandoned their captives when troops made contact with them.
The troops further defused 12 improvised explosive devices planted along roads in Niger and Kwara states and arrested four suspects, including two persons allegedly impersonating military and police personnel.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops arrested six suspects along the Wukari-Makurdi Road in Taraba State and recovered ammunition. Four other suspects arrested in Kogi State were identified as alleged informants and logistics suppliers to terrorists, while another suspected second-in-command to a wanted criminal gang leader was arrested in Benue State.
In Kaduna State, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops rescued an abducted resident and his wife, as well as a two-year-old child who had been kidnapped alongside his mother.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in Edo State and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East dismantled an illegal oil-bunkering site near Well Head 17/20 in Egbema West, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. About 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil and structures used by the illegal bunkerers were destroyed.
The troops also arrested a suspected secessionist IED fabrication expert who, according to the military, was on its watchlist and was allegedly travelling to procure materials for the production of improvised explosive devices.
Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and professionalism, while urging Nigerians, traditional institutions and community leaders to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.
The Defence Media Operations Directorate said the Armed Forces would sustain offensive operations until lasting peace and security are achieved across the country.
