The Armed Forces of Nigeria have arrested 95 suspected terrorists, kidnappers, collaborators and other criminal elements, while 65 terrorists and armed criminals were killed during military operations across the country between October 30 and November 5, 2026.
The operations also led to the rescue of dozens of kidnapped victims, the recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the surrender of terrorist fighters and their family members in different theatres of operation.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a press release on Sunday on ongoing military operations, highlighting the successes recorded by troops across the six geopolitical zones.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI inflicted heavy casualties on terrorists who attempted to attack military positions in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, and Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Following the failed attack on Buni Yadi on October 29, troops recovered 48 terrorist bodies during exploitation operations on October 30, alongside 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.
Further operations along the terrorists’ withdrawal route around Apama and Jauro Bashir resulted in the recovery of three additional bodies, an AK-47 rifle and 188 rounds of ammunition.
At Bitta, troops also repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration, recovering seven terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.
The military also recorded the surrender of 12 terrorist fighters and family members between November 2 and 4 at different locations in Borno State, with most citing sustained military pressure and disagreements between rival JAS and ISWAP factions.
Troops rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains and arrested 50 suspected terrorists, collaborators and logistics suppliers. Another 36 suspects were arrested during joint military and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency operations at motor parks in Maiduguri.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 18 kidnapped victims during operations in Kebbi and Zamfara States.
The victims included seven kidnapped persons abandoned by fleeing terrorists along the Ribah-Dirindaji Road in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while four others abducted from their farms were rescued following another military engagement.
Troops also rescued seven kidnapped victims from Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages in Kebbi State.
In Kaduna State, troops arrested two suspects linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling at Sabon Gida, while another suspected terrorist was apprehended in Kagarko Local Government Area during a joint operation with the Department of State Services.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected terrorist during a stop-and-search operation at Kukawa Village in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect was allegedly found with an AK-47 magazine and a round of 7.62mm special ammunition. Preliminary interrogation reportedly linked him to a terrorist syndicate.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded significant successes against kidnappers and armed groups in Benue, Kogi and Taraba States.
Operations in Edimogbo and Obele forests resulted in the neutralisation of five suspected kidnappers and the recovery of six AK-47 rifles, 19 magazines, more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition, 1,000 additional rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, motorcycles and other items.
Troops also rescued six civilians, including a baby, following a response to a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Other operations led to the arrest of a wanted member of the Konyo Boys armed group in Taraba State, a logistics supplier in Kogi State and a suspected gunrunner in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
In another development, a terrorist, his wife and two children surrendered to troops at Atsawa in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, alongside an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a radio.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 15 kidnapped victims during an encounter with bandits around Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG bombs, 33 motorcycles, ammunition and ₦4.105 million.
In Kwara State, troops and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria neutralised two Ansaru terrorists during an ambush at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Troops also arrested an injured suspected kidnapper in Niger State, while three kidnap victims escaped from their captors in Lema-Ndeji Forest in Kwara State.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA rescued a kidnapped victim following an attack by gunmen at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
A separate search operation at Otuocha in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges.
Concluding the briefing, Major General Onoja said the operational successes demonstrated the Armed Forces’ determination to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt terrorist logistics and restore security across the country.
He conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, to troops for their courage, resilience and sacrifices, while honouring an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The CDS also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence sharing and sustained cooperation with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He urged Nigerians to provide credible information on suspicious activities through the nearest military formation or the toll-free emergency line 193, while warning against misinformation, disinformation and mob action.
The Armed Forces assured Nigerians that military operations would continue with renewed intensity until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.
