Troops Engage Over 100 Armed Assailants, Rescue Kidnap Victims Across Theatres

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country's theatres of operation, neutralising scores of terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting suspected criminal collaborators and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition during coordinated operations conducted between July 17 and 23, 2026.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the achievements during a press briefing on ongoing military operations, saying the Armed Forces sustained intensive counter-terrorism and internal security operations while ensuring the safety of strategic national assets, highways and rail corridors.

According to him, troops conducted offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements, leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and logistics meant for criminal activities.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded major breakthroughs against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno, Yobe and Bauchi states.

Among the highlights was the elimination of Abu Salim Al-Barnawi, described as a senior Boko Haram/ISWAP commander and propaganda chief, during operations in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. Military authorities said his death dealt a significant blow to the insurgents' command structure and propaganda network.

Air strikes by the Nigerian Army Aviation also neutralised scores of terrorists in Yaganari, Bama Local Government Area, while troops foiled an attempted terrorist infiltration of the University of Maiduguri, killing two insurgents and maintaining heightened security around the institution.

Further clearance operations destroyed terrorist hideouts and led to the recovery of arms, including a pump-action gun and AK-47 magazines.

The military also rescued several abducted victims, including a mother with two children and two young girls during separate operations around Amuda Bridge in Gwoza Local Government Area. One group of victims had reportedly been held captive since August 2025.

Security forces arrested several suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, collaborators and foreign fighters, including a Sudanese national and an illegal immigrant from Ghana. Other suspects included a female terrorist collaborator, suspected kidnappers, terrorist spies and illegal miners operating in the North-East.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested suspected terrorist collaborators in Kaduna State who allegedly provided intelligence and logistics support to armed groups.

Troops also repelled terrorist attacks in Zamfara State, recovered arms and ammunition, and rescued 11 abducted passengers after responding to a distress call on the Gummi-Sokoto Road. Operations are continuing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The military also arrested a suspected terrorist financier and cattle rustling suspect in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, and handed him over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

In Kwara State, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, working with local vigilantes and forest guards, killed four kidnappers, arrested two others and rescued one abducted victim during operations in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State recovered weapons from suspected militia hideouts and repelled attacks in Riyom Local Government Area after engaging over 100 armed assailants in a fierce two-hour gun battle.

Operation WHIRL STROKE also recorded notable successes across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi states.

Troops rescued kidnapped victims along the Nasarawa-Benue border, neutralised two terrorists during clearance operations in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, and destroyed criminal camps after recovering AK-47 rifles, G3 rifles, pistols and ammunition.

Five suspected militia members were arrested in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, while additional arrests of suspected terrorists, logistics suppliers and informants were made in Kogi and Taraba states.

In the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Rivers State.

Troops uncovered several illegal refining sites, dismantled five bunkering camps, recovered more than 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil, intercepted illegally refined petroleum products and arrested suspects involved in oil theft.

Security operations also led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and arms suppliers during joint clearance operations in Edo State.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested three suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Enugu State.

Another raid on a forest hideout along the Rivers-Imo boundary resulted in the recovery of rifles and large quantities of ammunition believed to have been used by kidnappers and armed criminal gangs.

Major General Onoja said the successes recorded across the various operational theatres reflected the professionalism and determination of the Armed Forces in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality.

He reassured Nigerians of the military's commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining pressure on criminal elements until lasting peace and stability are restored nationwide.

The Defence Headquarters also urged citizens to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies and continue supporting ongoing military operations across the country.