Military Operations: 17 Terrorists Surrender, 300 Rounds of Ammunition Recovered

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded fresh operational successes against terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats across the country, with 17 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendering in Borno State within the period under review.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the military’s operations between September 4 and 10, 2026.

According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive operations across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, resulting in the surrender of the terrorists in Monguno town and along the Gwoza-Limankara Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The surrendered fighters reportedly cited harsh living conditions, hunger and a lack of basic provisions in terrorist enclaves on the Mandara Mountains as reasons for abandoning the groups.

The troops also rescued a female abductee and her one-year-old child near Gava in Gwoza LGA on September 8. The woman, an indigene of Chinene, disclosed that she had been forced into child marriage by her captors in 2025.

The military further arrested several suspected terrorists, informants and spies across the theatre during the period, including a suspect with a gunshot wound who was apprehended while loitering near a military location in Gwoza.

Troops also intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks, arresting suspected suppliers and recovering medical and veterinary supplies, pharmaceuticals, motorcycle spare parts and other materials allegedly destined for terrorist groups.

In Yobe State, two suspected logistics suppliers were arrested at Gumsa Bridge in Geidam LGA, where a large consignment of motorcycle spare parts intended for terrorists operating around Yunusari and Mobbar areas was recovered.

300 rounds of ammunition intercepted

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The troops, supported by an attack helicopter, assaulted a suspected hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin at Yantumaki Forest in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State on September 4, neutralising one terrorist while others fled.

The operation also led to the recovery of motorcycles and medical supplies reportedly intended for the terrorists.

In Sokoto State, troops engaged terrorists at Magarya Forest in Tangaza LGA, recovering two motorcycles, a rifle and a machine gun. Another engagement along Gundumi Road in Isa LGA forced terrorists to withdraw into Gundumi Forest, with troops recovering an additional rifle.

The troops also foiled an attempted abduction of a senior nursing school staff member and his family at Yerima Quarters in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State following a distress call.

At a checkpoint along the Gurbi-Zurmi Road in Jibia LGA of Katsina State, troops intercepted a truck carrying four motorcycles concealed within fuel and oil consignments destined for Zamfara State.

The driver was arrested, while follow-up operations on September 7 led to the arrest of 12 additional suspects and the recovery of more exhibits.

In another operation, troops arrested a suspected spy at Dange Market in Dange Shuni LGA of Sokoto State. The suspect allegedly attempted to offer troops financial inducement to evade arrest but was apprehended.

Similarly, a suspected terrorist collaborator was arrested in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, where radio equipment allegedly linked to a reprisal attack on residents was recovered.

In another major interception, troops apprehended a suspected ammunition courier along the Birnin Gwari axis on September 10 and recovered 300 rounds of ammunition concealed in her belongings.

Troops intensify anti-kidnapping operations

In Niger State, Operation Savannah Shield troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a fighting patrol around Dekara Village in Borgu LGA on September 9.

The weapon was reportedly abandoned by terrorists who had earlier attacked a military location in the area on August 21.

In Edo State, Operation Delta Safe troops raided a Fulani camp within Sasaro/Agor Forest in Akoko-Edo LGA, arresting four suspected kidnappers.

On September 7, troops working with the Nigeria Police and local security groups engaged suspected kidnappers at a ransom collection point along Juju Junction, behind Ambrose Alli University in Esan West LGA.

The suspects reportedly abandoned their victims and fled into nearby bushes, with one believed to have sustained a gunshot wound.

Military raids secessionist criminal networks

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained operations against secessionist elements and armed criminal groups in Anambra and Enugu states.

At Chike Onochie Crescent along the Abakaliki Expressway in Enugu East LGA on September 4, troops arrested two suspects allegedly using their phones to plan attacks against security agencies in the state.

A further raid at Gariki Akwata Market in Enugu East LGA led to the arrest of another suspect and the recovery of a locally made pistol and knives.

In Anambra State, troops responding to a distress call at Umuoba Anam in Anambra West LGA discovered and recovered a locally fabricated pistol from the residence of a suspect reportedly sighted with a firearm.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops across the various theatres for their operational successes, particularly in neutralising terrorists, disrupting logistics and arms-trafficking networks, securing the surrender of terrorist fighters and their families and rescuing kidnapping victims.

Oluyede also praised the collaboration between the military, other security agencies and stakeholders, describing the synergy as crucial to strengthening the nation's response to terrorism, kidnapping and secessionist agitation.

He urged the media to maintain professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations, while appealing to members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to provide timely and useful information to security agencies.

The CDS assured that the AFN would sustain the current tempo of operations while operating in accordance with its Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, International Humanitarian Law and other international best practices.