Troops Display Uncommon Commitment, Resilience To Protection Of Lives, Nation’s Critical Assets, Territorial Integrity
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has demonstrated commendable professionalism, resilience, and resolute commitment to the protection of lives, critical national infrastructure, and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations disclosed this at the weekly press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the period covering 17 – 23 April 2026
He noted that within the period under review, the AFN sustained coordinated operations to curtail the freedom of movement of terrorist and criminal elements, while disrupting their logistics networks and safeguarding communities nationwide.
The following is a summary of significant operational activities recorded during this period.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST
OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists across the North East theatre during the period. Significantly, on 18 April 2026, troops piquetted the Kirawa–Pulka Road and made contact with terrorists moving from the Miyanti area towards the Ngoshe axis and neutralized 2 of the insurgents.
On 19 April 2026, troops conducted an ambush around Kuranabassa Village in Gwoza LGA of Borno State and engaged terrorists emerging from the Mandara Mountains, forcing them to withdraw. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, and other sundry items.
On 20 April 2026, troops conducted a fighting patrol and ambush at Nanewa in the Babbangida area, Tarmuwa LGA, Yobe State.
Troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 2 motorcycles. On 23 April 2026, terrorists launched an attack on troops deployed at Kukareta along the Maiduguri–Damaturu Road in Damaturu LGA, Yobe State.
Troops, who had been reinforced on the strength of credible intelligence, repelled the assault and neutralized 21 terrorists. Items recovered included 12 AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one PKT machine gun, one Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube, one 60mm mortar, 16 AK-47 magazines, two camcorders, one grenade, one jack knife, 143 rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition, 9 improvised grenades, 13 camel bags, and 6 mobile phones.
On 22 April 2026, nine captives escaped from the Mandara Mountains and were rescued by troops operating in the area. Terrorists subsequently launched an attack from the Gava axis to re-capture the women and children, but troops repelled the assault and forced the insurgents to abandon their mission.
The rescued victims were administered first aid and placed in protective custody. On the same date, troops manning a checkpoint on the outskirts of Geidam Town in Geidam LGA, Yobe State, arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier who was conveying 15 sacks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed within bags of sachet water aboard a tricycle.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment was destined for terrorist elements in Kanama Town, Dekwa, and Bultuwa.
Items recovered included one tricycle, 15 sacks of PMS, one mobile phone, and cash amounting to ₦34,950.00.
Also on 22 April 2026, terrorists who infiltrated Kanama Town in Yunusari LGA, Yobe State, were swiftly engaged by troops, who neutralized four of the insurgents.
Additionally, one Mr Abba Babagoni of Gana Ali, Monguno LGA, Borno State, who was under surveillance over terrorist-related activities and the circulation of a viral video capable of inciting the public and discrediting constituted authority, was apprehended by troops while attempting to escape from Monguno Town.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, systematically dismantling terrorist logistics networks while safeguarding communities and critical infrastructure.
On 20 April 2026, troops conducted an ambush at Anguwan Haske in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 rifle.
On the same date, troops conducted a fighting patrol following an artillery bombardment and made contact with terrorists at Munhaye Forest and engaged them with fire.
A subsequent cordon and search operation at Munhaye Town led to the discovery and destruction of a terrorist camp.
Items recovered included five 25-litre jerrycans of PMS, five 4-litre containers of PMS, two 75Ah batteries, and one bandolier jacket. On 21 April 2026, troops on patrol around Dumpawa Village in Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State, sighted and engaged terrorists, forcing their withdrawal and recovered one AK-47 rifle.
Same date, troops responded to a distress call about terrorist activity at Kushere Village in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, where 3 locals had been kidnapped.
Troops pursued the assailants along their withdrawal route, made contact, and successfully rescued all three victims, who were reunited with their community.
On 23 April 2026, a surveillance team deployed along the Gusau–Magami Road in Gusau LGA, Zamfara State, intercepted a suspected terrorist courier who was en route from Gusau to Gobirawa Chali to deliver Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials to terrorist elements. Items recovered from the suspect included 394 solar silicon components, five primer chargers, one and a half rolls of command wire, and one mobile phone.
The suspect is currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD extended their operational presence into forested corridors and border communities known to harbour criminal and terrorist elements.
On 16 April 2026, troops conducted a clearance operation to Kongore, Tungan Balki, and Daban Woko Villages in Borgu LGA, Niger State.
At Kongore Village, troops cordoned and searched the community and arrested three suspected terrorists.
Advancing to Tungan Balki, troops discovered and destroyed makeshift terrorist camps and illegal mining sites.
At Daban Woko, additional makeshift camps and illegal mining sites were similarly destroyed, IED materials were discovered, and two more suspected terrorists were arrested.
Same date, troops received a distress call from Idera Community in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, regarding the kidnap of three persons. Troops in conjunction with Forest Guards and vigilantes responded and engaged the assailants at Iru Forest, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee. All three kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
On 17 April 2026, troops on patrol in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, arrested two suspected terrorists who claimed to be residents of Wawa Community. Items recovered included the sum of ₦328,000.00, one motorcycle, and one mobile phone.
On 21 April 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist along the Wawa–Baburasa Village Road in Borgu LGA, Niger State.
The suspect confessed to having buried three weapons at Daban Woko Village, Borgu LGA.
A follow-up operation conducted on 23 April 2026 successfully recovered one motorcycle, one Dane gun, and two locally fabricated weapons. On 22 April 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator at Wawa Market in Borgu LGA, Niger State.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect served as a logistics facilitator for terrorist elements. All suspects and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE maintained a strong operational presence in vulnerable communities and key transit corridors.
On 16 April 2026, troops on stop-and-search duty along the Manchok–Jos Road in Kauru LGA, Kaduna State, intercepted a commercial vehicle conveying 7 passengers.
A thorough search of the vehicle yielded 569 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, empty cases of 7.62mm special, elements of explosive materials, and condemned handsets.
The driver claimed the items were a waybill consignment but was unable to provide the contacts of the sender or receiver. The driver, occupants, and all recovered items are in custody for further action.
On 18 April 2026, in Danwal area, Riyom LGA, Plateau State, troops arrested 9 suspects, who had visible blood stains on their bodies. Items recovered included three motorcycles, one pistol, one Sub Machine Gun (SMG) rifle, one locally made revolver, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and one locally fabricated rifle.
On 22 April 2026, troops raided a suspected weapon manufacturer’s hideout at Gwandanu Village in Langtang North LGA, Plateau State, arrested 2 suspects and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles, one fabricated G3 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one G3 magazine, 2 generators, 2 hand filers, one standing drilling machine, one welding machine, and one tool box.
On 17 April 2026, troops deployed to Atandara in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State arrested one Mr Ibrahim Usman Abubakar, who was linked to a terrorist syndicate responsible for the killing of a police officer and two vigilantes along Agbashi Road in 2025.
On 18 April 2026, troops arrested one Mr Khalid Usman for stabbing a Nigeria Police Force officer, Inspector Kabiru Muhammed, during a foot patrol at the Congo Russia Area, Jos North LGA, Plateau State, and separately arrested one Azi Izang who was found in possession of rounds of 7.62mm ammunition along Grey Garden West of Mines in Jos North LGA.
On 20 April 2026, troops at a snap checkpoint along the Obajana–Kabba Road in Lokoja LGA, Kogi State, intercepted a Toyota bus travelling from Makurdi to Obajana.
A search revealed 314 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and 3 AK-47 rifle magazines concealed behind the driver’s seat.
Two suspected terrorist logistics couriers were arrested and handed over for further interrogation. On 21 April 2026, troops responded to a report of shooting by suspected kidnappers between Ungwan Dariya and Rafin Tagwi in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State.
Troops swift intervention forced the assailants to flee, and two persons with gunshot wounds were rescued and evacuated to General Hospital Gwantu for medical attention.
On the same date, a suspected kidnapper, Mr Saidu Mohammed, was arrested at Chanso Village in Mangu LGA, Plateau State.
On 21 April 2026, terrorists attacked troops deployed at the Dorawa Babaje Checkpoint in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State. Troops responded and neutralized 2 terrorists. Items recovered included one locally fabricated rifle, 5 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one cutlass, one jack knife, and one mobile phone.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted operations across Benue and Kogi States during the period.
On 16 April 2026, troops discovered an abandoned Benue Link bus whose passengers had been abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road in Otukpo LGA, Benue State.
Troops trailed the kidnappers along their withdrawal route, made contact, and forced them to abandon 4 kidnapped victims and flee.
The vehicle driver was arrested for allegedly collaborating with the kidnappers.
The rescued victims and the arrested driver were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Otukpo Division for further investigation. On 19 April 2026, troops conducted a search and rescue operation at Okete Ward in Ohimini LGA, Benue State, and rescued 13 kidnapped victims, who were subsequently moved to Otukpo General Hospital for medical care.
Efforts to apprehend the assailants are ongoing. On 20 April 2026 at the Olojo–Ojantele Road in Apa LGA, Benue State, troops mobilized and conducted a cordon and search of the area, rescued one Mr Jacob Ebase Akanemo.
Preliminary investigation revealed that passengers and the vehicle driver had fled on sighting armed herders. The rescued victim and vehicle were handed over to the NPF Ugbokpo Division for further action.
On 16 April 2026, troops conducted a clearance operation at suspected terrorist camps at Ejiba and Ofi Villages in Yagba West LGA, Kogi State.
A suspected terrorist logistics supplier who was sighted conveying food items fled on sighting troops, abandoning his motorcycle and goods, all of which were destroyed and the identified camps dismantled.
On 20 April 2026, troops patrolling the Country Club Market area in Keana LGA, Nasarawa State, apprehended two suspected motorcycle thieves and handed them over to the NPF Keana Division for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations in the South-South region during the period.
On 17 April 2026, troops in conjunction with the Edo State Security Corps conducted a search and rescue operation following the kidnap of Mr Monday Onwe and Mrs Mercy Onwe while working on their farm at Eko Ibadin Community in Esan North East LGA, Edo State. On sighting troops, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled.
Both victims were rescued alongside their motorcycle, debriefed, and reunited with their family. On 20 April 2026, troops at Ikot Ekpene LGA, Akwa Ibom State, intercepted a stockpile of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The suspects fled on sighting troops and abandoned the products. Troops recovered 45 nylon bags of AGO estimated at 1,350 litres, valued at ₦2,430,000.00.
The recovered products were moved to a secure location and handled in accordance with the Operation DELTA SAFE mandate, with no incidents recorded.
On 21 April 2026, troops conducted a search and rescue operation around Ogbesi Forest in Esan North East LGA, Edo State, in response to the kidnap of one Mr Jonah Owobu, aged 72, which occurred on 20 April 2026 in Esan East LGA.
On sighting troops, the kidnappers abandoned the victim and fled. Mr Owobu was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.
On the same date, troops in conjunction with hunters conducted a clearance operation to Ivbiadaobi Village, Erha Forest, and Akeke Forest in Esan West LGA, Edo State.
During the operation, 7 suspected criminals were arrested and extensive items were recovered, including two Dane guns, five motorcycles, nine mobile phones, one ATM card, one identity card, 4 cutlasses, 5 knives, one solar panel, and hard drugs including crystal methamphetamine.
The suspects and all recovered items were handed over to the appropriate security authority in Ekpoma for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) during the period.
On 17 April 2026, troops conducted a raid at Achara Layout in Enugu East LGA, Enugu State and arrested a wanted suspect, identified as Mr Sani Ahmad Ibrahim, in response to a directive from the Ministry of Defence.
The suspect was subsequently escorted and handed over to a Ministry of Defence team on 18 April 2026 for onward movement to Abuja.
On 21 April 2026, troops conducted a raid on the hideout of a wanted IPOB/ESN terrorist at Nwofe in Ebonyi LGA, Ebonyi State, and arrested 5 suspects. Available information revealed that one of the arrested suspects, known as ‘Calamity,’ is the ring leader of the terrorist group’s operations in Delta State.
Further investigations revealed that the suspects were among those who attacked NPF personnel at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, in February 2026, killing one police officer, injuring another, and carting away two AK-47 rifles.
All 5 suspects were handed over to NPF in Abakaliki for further action.
On 21 April 2026, troops arrested one Mr Kelechi Nwamege of Ndufu Echara at a forward operating base in Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State.
The suspect was alleged to be involved in the recent abduction and killing of the Youth President of Agubata Echara Village.
The suspect will be handed over to the NPF, Abakaliki Division, for further investigation.
In conclusion, Major General Onoja stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede on behalf of the AFN, commends the dedication exhibited by troops across theatres.
Also, he stated that the AFN expresses profound sorrow over the tragic loss of Corporal Abubakar Sadiq, who was killed by Boko Haram terrorists.
According to him, his courage, resilience, and devotion to duty embody the finest ideals of the Armed Forces. Though taken in such painful circumstances, his sacrifice will forever be honoured and remembered.
General Onoja further stated that the CDS extends heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and loved ones during this difficult time. “May they find strength in his legacy of service and bravery. May Almighty God grant Corporal Abubakar Sadiq eternal rest and give comfort to all he left behind.
“Troops are charged to sustain the current operational momentum with heightened vigilance, strict adherence to the Laws of Armed Conflict, the Rules of Engagement, and the highest standards of professional conduct.
