Military Offensive Yields Results As Hundreds Rescued, Terrorists Neutralised, Illegal Networks Hit

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded major operational successes across the country, including the rescue of civilians, neutralisation of terrorists and bandits, recovery of arms, and disruption of criminal networks between June 18 and 25, 2026.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the ongoing military operations, noting that troops across various theatres sustained aggressive operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, economic sabotage, and illegal arms trafficking.

According to the statement, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded significant breakthroughs in the North-East, particularly in Borno State, where several terrorists and their family members surrendered following sustained military pressure.

On June 19, two teenage girls believed to be relatives of terrorists surrendered to troops at Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The girls reportedly attributed their decision to surrender to intensified military operations and the difficult conditions within terrorist camps.

The troops also rescued two women and three children abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community in March 2026. In another operation on June 21, troops recovered and evacuated 27 surrendered terrorists and their family members, comprising 12 adults and 15 children, from the Jemu area of Kukawa Local Government Area.

The military further rescued eight additional escapees, including a male toddler and the widow of a Civilian Joint Task Force member killed during an earlier attack.

The statement added that troops repelled terrorist attacks in Buratai District of Biu Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle and over 200 rounds of ammunition. Troops also rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight hijacked vehicles along the Buratai-Kamuya road.

In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded several successes against terrorists and bandits. Four suspected terrorists were arrested in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while an attempted attack on Gamdanda village in Gummi Local Government Area was foiled.

Troops recovered weapons, motorcycles, ammunition, and other items from fleeing criminals during operations in Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina states.

A raid operation in Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist and recovery of locally fabricated firearms, cartridges, and identity documents. In Katsina State, troops neutralised bandits during operations in Matazu Local Government Area and recovered PKT machine guns, ammunition, motorcycles, and camouflage uniforms.

The military also disrupted kidnapping activities in the South-West, South-South, and other parts of the country.

In Ogun State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised two kidnappers during a clearance operation at Ogbe village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area following a kidnapping incident. Items recovered included a single-barrel gun, cartridges, mobile phones, and N2.2 million cash.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint in Gwagwalada Area Council after he allegedly attempted to bribe personnel to avoid screening. Further checks on his mobile devices reportedly revealed evidence linking him to terrorist activities.

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also intercepted a vehicle along the Sokoto-Kano highway and recovered two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, ammunition, pistols, communication equipment, and camouflage jackets, disrupting an arms supply network.

The fight against oil theft and economic sabotage also recorded major gains in the Niger Delta.

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, working with the Nigerian Navy, intercepted vessels and vehicles involved in the illegal movement of petroleum products. In Rivers State, troops recovered over 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from a wooden boat at APS Limited Jetty, Woji.

Another operation in Okolomade community, Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, led to the recovery of over 63,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, while a truck carrying 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated AGO was intercepted in Akwa Ibom State.

Troops also rescued kidnapped victims in Edo State and arrested suspected kidnappers, recovering items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA continued operations against armed criminal elements. Three terrorists were neutralised in Anambra State after troops engaged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) allegedly dressed in military and police uniforms.

Recovered items included a PKM machine gun, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, improvised explosive devices, police uniforms, and a vehicle.

The Nigerian Air Force also supported ground operations with air interdiction missions in Kaduna State, where terrorist elements were tracked and neutralised in the Kidandan area of Giwa Local Government Area.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, discipline, and commitment across all theatres of operation.

He also appreciated the support of civilian communities, Civilian Joint Task Force members, vigilante groups, security agencies, and other stakeholders for providing critical intelligence that contributed to the successes recorded.

General Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain ongoing operations until all security threats are contained and communities affected by insecurity are able to return to normal life.