AFN Neutralises 129 Terrorists, Rescues 542 Kidnap Victims in June, Q2 2026 Operations

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, economic sabotage and other security threats across the country in June and the Second Quarter of 2026.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed that sustained joint operations involving ground troops, air support, intelligence gathering and coordinated security efforts significantly degraded the capabilities of terrorist and criminal networks across various operational theatres.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stated that troops neutralised 129 terrorists and criminals, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped civilians, recovered 130 arms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition, dismantled seven illegal refining sites and recovered over 308,515 litres of stolen petroleum products during June 2026.

He added that for the Second Quarter of 2026, the military recorded further gains with 662 terrorists and criminals neutralised, 1,084 arrested, 951 kidnapped victims rescued, 39 insurgents surrendering alongside their families, while 328 arms and 12,590 rounds of ammunition were recovered.

The AFN said the achievements demonstrated the commitment of troops across all theatres to restoring peace, protecting citizens and safeguarding critical national assets.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

A major breakthrough was recorded on June 6, 2026, when troops conducted a multi-axis operation in the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who had been held captive since their abduction from Ngoshe community in March.

The victims were evacuated for medical attention, while subsequent operations led to more rescues and recovery of weapons from terrorist groups.

During the month, the theatre recorded 76 terrorists neutralised, 97 suspects arrested and 465 kidnapped victims rescued. Across the quarter, Operation HADIN KAI recorded 484 terrorist fighters neutralised, 370 arrested and 595 victims rescued.

In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained operations against terrorist groups and criminal networks in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States.

Troops neutralised 33 terrorists, arrested 165 suspects and rescued 51 kidnapped victims during the period, while recovering various weapons including machine guns, rifles, ammunition and improvised explosive device components.

The operation also disrupted terrorist logistics networks through the arrest of suspected suppliers allegedly supporting criminal elements.

In the North-Central region, Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD and WHIRL STROKE recorded successes against terrorists, kidnappers and criminal gangs.

Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD arrested 19 terrorists and rescued four kidnapped victims, while Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised three terrorists, arrested 26 suspects and rescued four victims.

Troops also recovered arms including AK-47 rifles, ammunition, explosives and communication equipment linked to criminal activities.

In Southern Kaduna and Plateau States, Operation ENDURING PEACE intensified efforts against kidnapping networks, rescuing 18 victims and arresting 87 suspects in June.

The operation also led to the recovery of weapons and the arrest of individuals suspected to be involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

In the Niger Delta region, Operation DELTA SAFE continued its campaign against oil theft, kidnapping and economic sabotage.

The military disclosed that troops neutralised six criminals, arrested 53 suspects, dismantled seven illegal refining sites and recovered more than 308,515 litres of petroleum products.

Illegal oil facilities and stolen crude oil storage locations were discovered and destroyed across Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and other states.

The operation also disrupted kidnapping syndicates, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to planned abductions and the rescue of victims from criminal hideouts.

In the South-East, Operation UDO KA recorded major achievements against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Troops neutralised six criminals, arrested 39 suspects and recovered weapons during raids on suspected IPOB/ESN locations in Enugu, Imo, Abia and Anambra States.

Recovered items included rifles, machine guns, ammunition, explosives and security uniforms allegedly used by criminal elements.

The Nigerian Air Force also provided air support to ground operations through intelligence-led surveillance and precision strikes against terrorist locations in Kaduna and Niger States.

The air component successfully disrupted terrorist movements and prevented planned attacks while operating in line with established rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards.

Beyond combat operations, the AFN highlighted its continued commitment to civil-military cooperation through humanitarian interventions and community support projects.

The military supported the development of communities through the provision of healthcare facilities, town halls and emergency medical infrastructure, while also working with humanitarian organisations to ensure safe delivery of aid to affected communities in the North-East.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, discipline and dedication to national security.

He appreciated the support of communities, Civilian Joint Task Forces, vigilante groups and other security agencies, noting that intelligence sharing remained a key factor behind the successes recorded.

General Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain operations against all threats until security was fully restored across the country.

He urged citizens to continue supporting security efforts by providing credible information to relevant agencies, stressing that national security remains a collective responsibility.