Nigerian Army troops
Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded fresh operational successes across various theatres of operation between May 8 and 14, 2026, with troops rescuing kidnapped victims, neutralising terrorists, arresting suspected collaborators and recovering arms and stolen items in coordinated offensives nationwide.
The Defence Headquarters, in its weekly operational briefing, said the military sustained pressure on terrorists and criminal elements through combined land and air operations conducted across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East regions of the country.
A statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said in the North East under Operation Hadin Kai, troops intercepted a terrorist logistics convoy along the Banki–Kumshe route in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The insurgents reportedly fled under pressure, abandoning fuel supplies, bicycles, medical items and communication gadgets.
Troops also foiled a coordinated attack on a military base in Buni Gari, Yobe State, where five terrorists, including a foreign fighter, were killed during the encounter. Weapons and ammunition were recovered, although three soldiers lost their lives in the gun battle.
Clearance operations around the Mandara Mountains and Amuda Gava corridor also led to the rescue of abducted civilians, while security forces arrested suspected collaborators and gunrunners in Yobe and Taraba States. Additional arms and ammunition were recovered during patrol activities in Ngala.
In the North West theatre under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops carried out offensives in Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara and Sokoto States, killing several terrorists and rescuing 32 kidnapped victims in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Military authorities said more terrorists were neutralised along the Dutsin Ma axis, while some abductees regained freedom after escaping during air strikes targeting criminal hideouts in Zamfara State. Suspected logistics suppliers linked to terrorist groups were also apprehended in Kaduna and Sokoto States.
Under Operation Savannah Shield in the North Central region, troops repelled an attack by armed elements in Niger State, killing one terrorist and recovering ammunition, motorcycles and communication equipment. Follow-up operations reportedly uncovered more bodies and weapons.
Security operatives also arrested suspects linked to kidnapping and arms trafficking in Kwara State, while troops disrupted criminal movement routes in parts of Niger State.
In Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, troops operating under Operation Enduring Peace arrested suspected kidnappers and armed collaborators, including individuals allegedly connected to attacks on communities in Plateau State. A gunrunner and several other suspects were equally apprehended during coordinated security operations.
Similarly, under Operation Whirl Stroke in Kogi State, troops ambushed armed groups along the Obajana–Jakura axis, killing one suspect and recovering AK-47 rifles, ammunition and motorcycles.
A separate operation in Benue State also resulted in the rescue of a senior police officer alongside another victim.
In the South South region under Operation Delta Safe, troops rescued kidnapped victims in Edo State and recovered stolen petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State.
Security forces also uncovered illegal pipeline connections and large quantities of stolen crude oil during anti-oil theft operations in Rivers State, while several suspects were arrested across Edo and Delta States.
Meanwhile, troops under Operation Udo Ka in the South East arrested suspected separatist-linked criminals and recovered locally fabricated and foreign-made firearms in Abia and Anambra States.
A suspected kidnapper was also tracked and arrested in Abia State following intelligence-led operations.
Beyond combat operations, the Defence Headquarters highlighted ongoing non-kinetic engagements by the Armed Forces.
These included a medical outreach organised by the Nigerian Air Force in Maiduguri, where hundreds of residents received healthcare services.
In Zamfara State, the Nigerian Army also distributed 400 bags of fertiliser to farming communities in Maru Local Government Area to support agricultural activities ahead of the planting season.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their dedication and professionalism across all operational theatres.
He also paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives in active service and urged troops to sustain the momentum against criminal elements.
According to the military high command, many of the recent operational successes were made possible through intelligence and cooperation from local communities.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country through sustained operations and collaboration with citizens.
