The Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralised at least 35 terrorists, including a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander and rescued dozens of abductees during operations across the country between October 2 and 8, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed on Saturday that the successes included arresting suspected terrorist collaborators, repelling an ISWAP assault on Kukawa in Borno State and rescuing 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 25 terrorists during an hours-long engagement with ISWAP fighters who attempted to infiltrate Kukawa. They recovered six AK-47 rifles, ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades and other equipment.
Troops also neutralised a terrorist in Yobe State, rescued several abductees, arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and disrupted logistics networks.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed 10 Lakurawa terrorists during an encounter in Kebbi State and recovered weapons, ammunition, 17 motorcycles and a communication device.
They also rescued 18 kidnap victims in Katsina State and a seven-year-old boy abducted in Kaduna State.
Other operations led to arrests and the recovery of illegal arms and ammunition in Taraba, Kaduna, Niger and Kwara states.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued 20 prospective corps members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway and a woman kidnapped while travelling to a market in Imo State.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered three illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered about 2,500 litres of suspected stolen petrol.
The military also announced the killing of Abdussamad Ohida, identified as a senior ISWAP commander, during a joint security operation in Owo forest, Ondo State, on October 2. The military said he had been planning large-scale attacks in southern states ahead of the festive season.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops and collaborating security agencies, urging them to sustain operational pressure and remain vigilant.
He also called on community leaders and residents to report terrorist collaborators, informants and arms suppliers as military operations continue nationwide.
