Military Neutralises Terrorists, Rescues Kidnap Victims, Arrests Arms Suppliers Across Nigeria

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country's various theatres of operation, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers, and disrupting crude oil theft activities between July 10 and 16, 2026.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a press statement made available to newsmen on the ongoing military operations, stating that troops, working in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, sustained coordinated offensives aimed at protecting lives, property and Nigeria's territorial integrity.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remnants across Borno State, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists, the arrest of several suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, including a suspected foreign spy, and the interception of supplies intended for terrorists.

The military also foiled multiple infiltration attempts by insurgents in Jere Local Government Area, recovered the body of a terrorist, and rescued several kidnapped victims, including women and children, who were reunited with their families after receiving medical attention.

In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified offensives against terrorists in Zamfara and Kebbi states, arresting suspected collaborators, neutralising three terrorists and rescuing 14 abducted civilians from terrorists' camps and attacks on commuters. Another kidnapped victim was rescued and safely reunited with his family in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops also recorded breakthroughs in the North Central, rescuing two kidnap victims in Niger State and neutralising a suspected terrorist in Kwara State. Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun during the operation, while two rescued children were reunited with their families.

Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, recovering three locally fabricated rifles and four submachine guns allegedly destined for Niger State. Troops also arrested a wanted suspect linked to attacks in Plateau State and rescued four kidnapped victims following a swift response to a highway abduction incident.

In the Operation WHIRL STROKE theatre covering Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, troops arrested an alleged ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition and four suspected terrorist collaborators. Security forces also rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State after sustained pressure forced their captors to abandon them.

The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled illegal crude oil refining sites in Rivers State, recovering stolen crude oil and equipment used for illegal refining. In Edo State, troops raided a kidnappers' hideout following the abduction of victims near Ambrose Alli University, neutralising two suspected kidnappers, recovering three rifles and rescuing three abductees.

In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected cultists, kidnappers and members of a proscribed secessionist group in Rivers and Abia states. Security personnel recovered an assault rifle, ammunition, a pump-action gun and cartridges, while also rescuing two kidnapped victims along the Aba Port Harcourt Expressway.

Commending the troops for their professionalism and dedication, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised the intelligence led collaboration among security agencies, particularly the successful rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

He noted that the rescue operation was executed without any concession to the abductors and extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the incident.

General Oluyede also appreciated the media for its responsible coverage of military operations and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, assuring that ongoing operations would be sustained until peace and security are fully restored across the country.