The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational successes across multiple theatres, neutralising at least 17 terrorists and rescuing 179 kidnap victims, during operations conducted between May 25 and 28, 2026.
A statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, said that troops also arrested several suspects, and recovered arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs within the period under review.
Giving details of operations across the various theaters, Onoja said that in the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI killed 11 terrorists in separate engagements across Borno, Taraba and Yobe states. Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in Monguno, received a family member who surrendered from a terrorist enclave in Gwoza, and took custody of four abductees rescued by Cameroonian forces.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West, troops arrested a suspected terrorist linked to the Lakurawa group in Kebbi State, killed three terrorists in Zamfara and Katsina states, and recovered weapons, motorcycles, and other items. Troops also rescued 31 kidnap victims who escaped captivity following an airstrike by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships in Zamfara State.
In a major humanitarian breakthrough, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD facilitated the release of 148 kidnapped victims, mostly women and children, who had spent more than three months in captivity after being abducted from Galma Village in Niger State.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Kaduna State rescued two injured victims during a terrorist attack and neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin, identified as Idi Yaya, during a raid on his hideout in Kauru Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes against drug trafficking networks in Benue State, arresting suspects and recovering hundreds of suspected illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, vehicles, cash, and other items.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, working with security agencies, arrested a suspect during forest clearance operations in Edo State and neutralised a kidnapper during an ambush along the Ohe–Uzea Road. Weapons, hard drugs, cash, and personal documents were recovered.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN kingpin known as “Dragon” during a raid in Ebonyi State and recovered items bearing IPOB/ESN insignia. Two other suspects linked to attempted abduction and theft of farm produce in Abia State were also taken into custody.
The Defence Headquarters said the achievements reflect the military’s sustained commitment to defeating terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities nationwide, while urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
