Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified operations across the country, recording a string of successes against terrorists, kidnappers, criminal gangs and oil thieves, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said.
Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja told journalists that sustained pressure across all theatres has led to arrests, recoveries and the rescue of dozens of abducted victims.
North East
Operation Hadin Kai stepped up counter‑terrorism operations against remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP. Ten family members of suspected terrorists surrendered in Gwoza and Pulka, while several suspected collaborators, logistics suppliers and a suspected foreign spy were arrested in Borno State. Among those detained was Ali Umar, who reportedly confessed to supplying terrorists with petroleum products.
Troops foiled infiltration attempts at Muna Garage, Shuwari village and the Ajilari axis of Jere Local Government Area, recovering the body of a suspected terrorist during follow‑up operations. Several kidnap victims were rescued, including Usman Hassan (abducted in Bauchi in April), Aisha Mohammed and six other civilians around Armuda Bridge in Gwoza.
North West
Operation Fansan Yamma maintained offensive operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states, arresting suspected collaborators, neutralising three terrorists in separate engagements, rescuing 13 abducted civilians and recovering two vehicles seized from commuters.
North Central
Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnap victims in Niger and Kwara states, neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK‑47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun.
Separately, Operation Enduring Peace in Kaduna intercepted suspected arms traffickers and recovered three locally fabricated rifles and four sub‑machine guns. Troops also arrested a wanted suspect linked to attacks in Plateau State and rescued four kidnap victims after responding to a highway blockade.
Operation Whirl Stroke intercepted an ammunition courier carrying 60 rounds and apprehended four suspected collaborators. Troops rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students who had been abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Kogi State.
South‑South
Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude and dismantled equipment used for refining. Troops neutralised two kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and rescued three abductees.
South East
Operation Udo Ka arrested suspected kidnappers and members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovering an assault rifle, ammunition, a pump‑action gun and cartridges. Troops rescued two abducted victims after intercepting a hijacked truck on the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
Commending the forces, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede praised their professionalism and the intelligence‑led collaboration that secured the unconditional release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
“The CDS notes with satisfaction that the operation was achieved without any concession to the abductors,” Major General Onoja said, adding that the DHQ remained committed to sustaining operations across all theatres until “peace, security and stability are fully restored nationwide.”
