Troops Sustain Nationwide Aggressive Offensive Intense Counter-terrorism Operations, Annihilate Terrorists’ Enclaves
… Also liberates abductees, neutralized scores of insurgents, intercept terrorists’ logistics, recovered large cache of arms and ammunition
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) sustained its operational successes across all theatres of operation.
DHQ added that troops deployed across the various operational theaters sustained aggressive offensive and counter-terrorism operations, intercepting terrorist logistics, neutralizing insurgents, rescuing kidnapped victims and liberated abductees, arresting collaborators and gunrunners, and recovering weapons, ammunition, and contraband petroleum products.
A statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, in Abuja on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the period covering 8 – 14 May 2026.
He posited that these operations reflected coordinated land and air efforts, underscore the firm resolve of the AFN to protect every Nigerian life, and deliver enduring peace and security across all regions of the country.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued to pressure Boko Haram/ISWAP remnants across Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe States.
Significantly, on 8 May 2026, troops on ambush along the Banki-Kumshe Road in Bama LGA of Borno State intercepted a terrorist logistics convoy crossing from Cameroon into Nigeria, forcing the insurgents to withdraw and abandon their supplies.
Recovered items included bicycles, jerrycans of fuel, surgical drips, assorted medications, motorcycle parts, phone batteries, food items, and sundry materials.
On the same date, troops deployed at Buni Gari in Gujba LGA of Yobe State repelled a large-scale, multi-wave terrorist assault on their camp.
After the engagement, troops neutralised five terrorists, including one foreign national and recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), an AK-47 rifle, an RPG tube with accompanying bombs, over two thousand rounds of assorted ammunition, and cash.
Regrettably, three soldiers paid the supreme price in the encounter.
On 9 May 2026, surrendered family members of terrorists including adult females and minors from Yaganari village in Bama LGA of Borno State were profiled and processed by troops.
On 13 May 2026, following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains, troops intercepted and rescued six women and children among abductees of Ngoshe community held since the attack on 3 March 2026, reuniting them with their families.
On 14 May 2026, a further six abductees from the same community were rescued during clearance operations along the Amuda-Gava corridor.
Additional highlights included the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator in Yunusari LGA of Yobe State who had been ferrying insurgents to collect unlawful taxes.
Also, troops arrested a suspected gunrunner in Ardo-Kola LGA of Taraba State. Also, troops deployed at Gamboru Ngala in Ngala LGA of Borno State, while on patrol along Ladari river banks, discovered an abandoned black sack containing one browning pistol, one locally made pistol, and quantity 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition and quantity 7 cartridges. Items recovered is in troops custody.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded a series of engagements against bandits and armed terrorists across Katsina and Zamfara States.
Significantly, on 8 May 2026, troops mounted a snap checkpoint at Damari in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State and apprehended a suspected terrorist found in possession of an AK-47 magazine, multiple mobile phones, and photographs depicting him in police uniform alongside armed associates.
On the same date, troops launched the second phase of offensive operations at the outskirts of Dikawa village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State, engaging and routing terrorists.
Two terrorists were neutralised, and troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, magazines, a GPMG component, a fabricated hand grenade, and ten motorcycles.
Most significantly, thirty-two kidnapped victims, comprising ten women, nine men, and thirteen children were rescued from the terrorist enclave, alongside twenty-six livestock, including fourteen cows and twelve sheep.
On 9 May 2026, an ambush operation along the Turare-Kitibawa-Kuka Mai Danmusa-Tugaa Road in Dutsin-Ma LGA of Katsina State neutralised three terrorists and resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, a motorcycle, cutlasses, and cash.
On 10 May 2026, troops in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State rescued two kidnapped victims, originally abducted from Kaboro village in Kebbi State in February 2026 who had escaped captivity from a forest in Zamfara State; both were evacuated to the General Hospital Birnin Gwari for medical attention.
On 10 May 2026, a Battle Damage Assessment patrol confirmed multiple terrorist fatalities from an air strike at Tumfa village in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.
On 10 May 2026, thirteen kidnapped victims escaped from captivity following an air strike west of Bagega Forest in Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State and were intercepted and secured by troops; they identified themselves as indigenes of Danko Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, with efforts ongoing to unite them with their families.
On 12 May 2026, troops tracked and arrested a suspected long-time terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier in Sabon Birni town, Kaduna State.
On 14 May 2026, a fighting patrol to Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State made contact with terrorists attempting to destroy Nigerian Immigration Service infrastructure near the border with the Republic of Niger; two terrorists were neutralised and two AK-47 rifles and a motorcycle recovered, while security coverage of the border area remains robust.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD engaged criminal elements across multiple LGAs in several clearance and rescue operations.
On 10 May 2026, troops at Kafin Koro in Paikoro LGA of Niger State came under a terrorist attack.
Reinforcing troops immediately moved to the camp and jointly engaged the assailants, forcing them to withdraw.
One terrorist was neutralized and two hundred and forty-six rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, four motorcycles, a Baofeng radio, and two mobile phones were recovered.
Security coverage of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and other critical national infrastructure within the Area of Responsibility remains effective and uninterrupted, and the Forward Operating Base remains on high alert with an aggressive posture across the Jimi-Kafin Koro general area.
On 11 May 2026, troops conducted an operational visit to Kafin Koro to assess the situation from the previous night’s attack; further exploitation yielded two additional neutralised terrorist bodies, one PKT gun, one AK-47 rifle, ten AK-47 magazines, additional motorcycles, Baofeng radios, and mobile phones.
On 10 May 2026, troops at Patigi in Pategi LGA of Kwara State arrested a suspect found in possession of a round of live ammunition, who confessed to having been recruited into a terrorist group by an unnamed associate; the suspect is in custody.
On 13 May 2026, troops and local security personnel mounted a snap checkpoint in Moro LGA of Kwara State and arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators found with supplies they admitted to have been stealing for their syndicate over the last four months; suspects were handed over to the National Forest Guards for investigation.
On the same date, a covert surveillance operation led to the tracking and arrest of a suspected terrorist leader in Edu LGA of Kwara State as he emerged from the bush.
Also on 13 May 2026, a fighting patrol to Masaka village in Borgu LGA of Niger State made contact with terrorists, routing them in disarray; in the process, one fleeing terrorist was killed by an IED he accidentally triggered, and a magazine and twelve rounds of ammunition were recovered.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained operations across Nasarawa, Plateau, and FCT.
On 7 May 2026, troops acting on credible intelligence searched the area around Mada Station in Nasarawa Eggon LGA of Nasarawa State, resulting in the arrest of five suspected kidnappers who were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police.
On 8 May 2026, troops escalated offensives following an attack on Brazongo community in Bassa LGA of Plateau State, extending operations across Rafin Bauna, Marraban Dare, and Dutsen Kura areas, resulting in the arrest of six suspects.
On the same date in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State, troops arrested a wanted suspect linked to several kidnapping incidents in Plateau State; preliminary interrogation revealed that his associates are currently in Abuja, prompting further action.
On 9 May 2026, troops at Akwanga LGA of Nasarawa State intercepted a suspected armed herder and recovered a locally fabricated Dane gun.
On 12 May 2026, a suspected kidnapper linked to an attack at Angwan Ali village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State was arrested through a collaborative operation with the Civilian Joint Task Force.
On 13 May 2026, troops apprehended a gunruning kingpin at Gindiri in Mangu LGA of Plateau Stat.
On 14 May 2026, a suspected kidnapper linked to a deadly attack on 11 May 2026 that claimed the life of a community member was arrested in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State following identification by a rescued victim.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted series of rescue and interdiction operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping syndicates operating within Benue and Kogi States.
On 10 May 2026, troops deployed at a blocking position at Ogbagbon sprung a well-coordinated ambush along the old Obajana-Jakura-Tajimi Road in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State, making contact with and neutralized one suspected terrorist while others fled sustaining gunshot wounds.
Items recovered at the scene included two AK-47 rifles, a fabricated pistol, six magazines, one hundred and forty-five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a Honda motorcycle, medical supplies, three mobile phones, power banks and cash exceeding sixty-two thousand naira.
Also, on 10 May 2026, troops in Apa LGA of Benue State responded to credible intelligence of a kidnapping that occurred on 9 May 2026 along the Ochumekwu-Ugbobi Road.
Troops successfully rescued a senior police officer, ASP Usman Ogbobi of PMF 44 Force Headquarters Abuja, and a second victim, both of whom had managed to escape from their captors.
A Search and Rescue operation further recovered the victims’ vehicle, both survivors and the recovered vehicle were handed over to the Nigerian Police at Ugbokpo Division for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted rescue and security operations across Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers States during the period. On 9 May 2026, troops at Emaudo in Esan West LGA of Edo State responded to a distress call regarding suspected criminal activity around a hotel; kidnappers fled on sighting troops, and one victim was successfully rescued at the scene.
The rescued victim was evacuated to hospital for medical attention, and items abandoned by the fleeing suspects; including a machete, a flashlight, wire, and a face mask were recovered.
On 10 May 2026, troops acting on actionable intelligence conducted an operation at an uncompleted building within Obianga community in Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State, where five drums containing approximately 1,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered; preliminary investigation traced the product to theft from Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited, and the AGO was returned to the company’s management.
On 13 May 2026, troops arrested a suspect along the NPA Expressway in Uvwie LGA of Delta State, identified as a member of the syndicate responsible for sporadic shootings at Ogidigben community on 6 April 2026.
Two significant anti-illegal oil bunkering operations in Rivers State on 13 May 2026 yielded further results: troops in Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA discovered approximately 600 Millions Naira of galvanised pipes suspected to function as a crude oil theft line, while a separate operation at Ebocha Egi II River Line in ONELGA LGA uncovered 130 sacks containing an estimated 7,800 litres of illegal crude oil.
On 14 May 2026, clearance operations in Owan East LGA of Edo State, conducted by troops in collaboration with local hunters, covered Ugbovbighan village, Olelo Forest, and Egoro Amede village, resulting in the arrest of three suspected criminal collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnappers, who were handed over to the Nigerian Police.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA maintained robust security operations against the remnants of the IPOB/ESN secessionist terrorist organisation.
On 9 May 2026, troops in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State arrested a suspect found in possession of a foreign-made revolver pistol.
The suspect claimed the weapon belonged to his late father; both the suspect and exhibit have been handed over to the Nigerian Police for further necessary action.
On 10 May 2026, during ongoing clearance operations at Umuogem in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, troops intercepted a suspect and during a search of his residence recovered a locally made Dane gun with a cartridge.
Preliminary investigation is ongoing, while troops continue to dominate the general area to systematically deny separatist elements freedom of movement and action.
On 13 May 2026, troops responded swiftly to intelligence on the movement of kidnappers following the abduction of Mr. Onyebuchi Nwaoha from the Ohiya Forest area in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State on 12 May 2026.
Troops pursued the kidnappers as they attempted to cross the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, during which one suspect was struck by a vehicle while fleeing.
Upon arrest, the sum of Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira and a mobile phone were recovered from the suspect, who was subsequently handed over to the Anti-Cult Department of the Nigerian Police, Umuahia.
A manhunt for other members of the kidnapping gang is ongoing.
CIVIL MILITARY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES
In furtherance of the AFN’s commitment to non-kinetic and humanitarian engagement, the Nigerian Air Force intensified civil-military relations activities in Maiduguri through a medical outreach programme conducted in collaboration with security and humanitarian partners.
The programme provided hundreds of residents including women, children, and the elderly people with free medical consultations, dental and eye care, medications, and referrals for severe cases, alongside the distribution of relief materials and health education sessions.
The initiative is part of a broader non-kinetic strategy designed to complement active operations by building public trust, promoting peace, and supporting flood victims and displaced persons in Maiduguri and surrounding communities in the North East.
Complementing these humanitarian efforts, on 13 May 2026, the Nigerian Army donated 400 bags of fertilizer to farming communities in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State through Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in a timely intervention aimed at boosting food production and strengthening civil-military relations ahead of the 2026 farming season.
At a distribution ceremony held at the Emir of Maru’s palace, the NA reaffirmed the AFN’s commitment to improving community livelihoods through non-kinetic initiatives alongside active security operations.
Local government and Emirate Council representatives commended the gesture as a vital support to farmers burdened by rising costs and insecurity, and beneficiaries were urged to maximise the resources for a productive harvest, while residents were encouraged to sustain cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and useful intelligence.
In conclusion, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commends the gallantry, discipline, and professionalism demonstrated by troops across all active theatres of operation during the week.
The CDS acknowledged the enormous sacrifices of the officers and soldiers who lay down their lives in the service of the nation, and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice.
He charged all troops to remain steadfast, resilient, and mission-focused in the pursuit of security, emphasising that the AFN will not waver nor relent in its determination to defeat terrorism, separatist violence, pipeline vandalism, and every form of criminality threatening the peace, unity, and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The CDS further directed commanders at all levels to maintain operational momentum, prioritise troop welfare and at all times uphold the highest professional standards in the protection of the civilian population within their areas of operation.
The CDS reassured all Nigerians that the AFN remains committed to the protection of lives, property, and the national interest across every corner of the country.
He called on communities to sustain their invaluable partnership with security forces by providing timely and accurate intelligence to the appropriate authorities, noting that community collaboration has been critical to many of the operational successes recorded.
The CDS also urged the Nigerian media to responsibly highlight the sacrifices of troops whose daily dedication secures the peace that citizens enjoy, while encouraging the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and hopeful.
The CDS reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to transparency, operational accountability, and the sustained pursuit of a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria for all its citizens.
