Military Repels Attacks, Arrests Gunrunners, Rescues Kidnap Victims

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded major operational successes across the country, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal suspects, and recovery of arms and ammunition during coordinated military operations conducted between June 30 and July 2, 2026.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing on the ongoing military operations, stating that troops operating across the various theatres sustained pressure on terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

According to the military, troops of Operation HADIN KAI operating in Borno State arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers on the Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala supply route in Jere Local Government Area while transporting items believed to be destined for terrorist enclaves. The suspects and the recovered items have been handed over for further investigation.

The operation also repelled an attack by terrorists on Kurnari community in Buratai District of Biu Local Government Area. Troops forced the attackers to retreat and recovered a handheld radio, locally fabricated explosives, ammunition and other items abandoned during the pursuit.

The military also reported fresh surrenders by insurgents, with the wife of a terrorist and her five children surrendering to troops in Monguno on June 30, while another suspected terrorist surrendered in Mobbar Local Government Area on July 1 after reportedly fleeing a terrorist camp in the Lake Chad region due to harsh living conditions.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued a female kidnap victim during a successful ambush operation in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victim had been abducted on June 29 near Gora village in Chikun Local Government Area. A mobile phone believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists was recovered for forensic analysis.

Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded several breakthroughs across Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nasarawa states. A raid on a suspected gunrunners' hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.

In Nasarawa State, troops rescued three kidnap victims, including a soldier abducted along the Akwanga-Gwatu Road. The rescued soldier has since returned to his unit, while the civilian victims were reunited with their families.

Troops also foiled separate kidnapping incidents in Benue and Kogi states, rescuing six victims after responding to distress calls. Military authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and rescue other captives.

In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested two suspected kidnappers during a routine patrol around Ibillo in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly been conducting surveillance on military patrol activities around a hotel before their arrest. They have been handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified operations against members of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, across the South-East.

In Anambra State, troops engaged suspected IPOB/ESN members in a gun battle around Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area, neutralising one suspect while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

In Abia State, troops acting on intelligence attempted to arrest a suspected cultist in Aba North Local Government Area. Although the suspect escaped, he abandoned a locally made pistol which was recovered.

Further operations in Imo State led to the arrest of a suspected armourer and logistics courier believed to be supplying weapons to criminal groups operating around oil facilities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. Troops recovered assault rifles, magazines and a large cache of ammunition.

In Enugu State, another suspected IPOB/ESN member and gunrunner was arrested during a raid in Trans-Ekulu, where troops recovered ammunition, pump-action guns, a pistol, vehicle number plates and materials suspected to be used for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.

Commending troops for their professionalism and bravery, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces' commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the country.

He said the successes recorded within the period underscored the effectiveness of the military's multi-theatre operational strategy and appealed to Nigerians to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to support ongoing security operations. General Oluyede also praised other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their continued collaboration with the military.