Troops Degrade Scores of Terrorists, Rescue Abducted Citizens From Captivity, Dealt Massive Blow To Terrorists’ Leadership, Logistic Networks
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that the first week of the month of October , dating 2 – 8 October 2026 was characterized by sustained operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) across the various geopolitical zones in the country.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, made the disclosure in a press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the period 2 – 8 October 2026
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According to him, troops conducted a series of operations that met terrorist aggression with resolute force as well as led to the rescue of abducted citizens from captivity and struck decisively at the leadership and logistics of violent extremist groups.
These included the countering of a determined ISWAP assault on Kukawa town in Borno State, the safe return of abducted prospective NYSC corps members in Imo State and the neutralisation of a senior ISWAP commander in Ondo State.
These achievements reflect the resolve of the AFN to maintain the intensity of military operations.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
In the North East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against terrorism and support networks in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.
On 5 October 2026, troops foiled a terrorist attack on Abakurari village in Geidam LGA of Yobe State, neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle. On the night of 6 October 2026, a faction of ISWAP terrorists attempted to infiltrate into Kukawa town in Borno State.
However, troops supported by the Air Component countered the attack in an engagement that lasted over several hours and into the morning of 7 October 2026.
During the engagement, troops neutralised 25 terrorists, recovered six AK-47 rifles, ten magazines, 797 rounds of PKT ammunition, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, an anti-tank bomb and other equipment.
Similarly, on 6 October 2026, troops in Kwatan Kuwait in Kukawa LGA of Borno State recovered two gunboat guns mounted on the riverbank and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Mairari, Guzamala LGA.
In related operations, troops intercepted and rescued several escapees from terrorist captivity.
On 4 October 2026, troops rescued two female abductees around the Kuranabasa axis in Gwoza LGA and three escapees from Cameroon.
The latter were handed over to the Cameroonian Rapid Intervention Battalion, at Kirawa on 5 October 2026.
Furthermore, three abductees who had been held for seven years, around Armuda in Gwoza LGA on 8 October 2026 were rescued alongside three other abductees in the general area of Gava in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
On 5 October 2026, a terrorist, two women and their children surrendered to troops at Ngurusoye village in Bama LGA of Borno State while another terrorist surrendered at Monguno town after escaping from a camp at Tumbunma Village in the Lake Chad region.
Troops also disrupted terrorist support networks, arresting 12 suspected collaborators and smugglers conveying fish from Niger Republic at Kanama in Yunusari LGA of Yobe State on 3 October 2026.
Also, a suspected logistics supplier at Mubi Market in Mubi North LGA of Adamawa State was arrested on 4 October 2026.
Additionally, a high-profile terrorist tracked to Magumeri town in Magumeri LGA of Borno State, was arrested on 5 October 2026 while a suspected terrorist was arrested along the Pulka-Firgi Road in Gwoza LGA of Borno State on 6 October 2026.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
In the North West geopolitical zone, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained operations against terrorism and banditry in Kaduna, Katsina, and Kebbi States, countering attacks and denying terrorists freedom of action.
On 7 October 2026, troops countered an attempted attack in Maiyama LGA of Kebbi State, by a large group of Lakurawa terrorists operating on more than 100 motorcycles armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
During the engagement, troops neutralized 10 terrorists while the others abandoned their weapons and fled.
Troops subsequently recovered 17 motorcycles, a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, assorted ammunition, and a communication device.
On 5 October 2026, troops conducted operations against terrorists in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, a motorcycle and other items.
In related operations, on 1 October 2026, troops in collaboration with the local security group in the community engaged terrorists in Unguwan Hudu Village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State and rescued 18 kidnap victims unharmed.
On 6 October 2026, a seven-year-old boy abducted from Dogon Dawa village in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, was rescued at Tsakiya Village in Safana LGA of Katsina State.
Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist at Faskari LGA of Katsina State, on 6 October 2026.
Also, on 8 October 2026, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator at Kuyello in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, who admitted to working with terrorists in kidnap-for-ransom operations.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against arms trafficking and armed criminality in Taraba State.
On 7 October 2026, troops mobilised to Wura Baba village near Abbare in Lau LGA of Taraba State, cordoned off the target and conducted a raid on the residence of a suspect reported to be in possession of a firearm.
Although, the suspect fled, troops recovered a fabricated sub-machine gun pistol and two rounds of 9mm ammunition. The same day, troops raided the hideout of an accomplice of a suspected arms trafficker earlier arrested on 14 August 2026 at Bubuwa in Wukari LGA of Taraba State at Sabon Gidan Usha in Donga LGA of Taraba State, recovering 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
All these are in line with the efforts of the AFN to mop up all illegal arms/ammunition in the area.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE maintained operations against kidnapping in Kaduna State. On 2 October 2026, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers at Makasa Village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, following sustained surveillance of the area.
The suspects are undergoing investigation to establish their links with wider kidnapping networks operating within the area.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD sustained operations against terrorism and kidnapping across Kwara and Niger States.
On 2 October 2026, troops arrested a wanted suspected terrorist along the Luma Road in Borgu LGA of Niger State, following the killing of a driver in the area.
On 4 October 2026, troops in Sabanginna Ndeji Forest in Edu LGA of Kwara State, rescued three persons wandering in the forest, who were confirmed to have escaped from their abductors.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State.
On 7 October 2026, troops on an anti-illegal oil bunkering operation at Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State discovered three illegal refinery sites, which were appropriately handled.
The same day, troops at Eleme LGA of Rivers State, discovered a stockpile of stolen Premium Motor Spirit estimated at 2,500 litres, further denying oil thieves access to the facilities that sustain their illicit trade.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
In the South East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation UDO KA recorded a significant humanitarian success in Imo State.
On 7 October 2026, following intense pressure from troops and other security agencies, the 20 prospective corps members abducted on 1 October 2026 along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, Umunoha axis, in Mbaitoli LGA and a local woman abducted on her way to the market, were rescued.
The victims were rescued at Ndegwu Community in Owerri West LGA of Imo State.
Meanwhile, troops continue intense search operations to locate and arrest the perpetrators
OTHER OPERATIONS
On 2 October 2026, a
combined team of security forces conducted an operation against terrorists in Owo forest, Ondo State.
Troops neutralised several terrorists, including a senior ISWAP leader identified as Abdussamad Ohida.
He was the deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader and had assumed leadership of the group following the leader’s arrest by the Department of State Services in 2023.
Further investigation revealed that prior to his neutralization, the suspect had been planning large-scale attacks on citizens in some southern states. The attacks were specifically aimed at the forthcoming festive season.
His neutralisation, coming a few months after the killing of another senior ISIS leader, represents a major blow to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria.
ARMED FORCES CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
On 8 October 2026, a delegation led by the Deputy Head of Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Mrs Patricia Mucheche, visited the Theatre Headquarters, Operation HADIN KAI, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri to strengthen collaboration with the AFN.
The Commander assured the delegation that AFN would continue to provide a secure environment for humanitarian activities, strengthen information sharing and coordination.
The AFN will also facilitate safe access to farmlands and essential supply routes, underscoring the its commitment to protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian partners and consolidating operational gains to create conditions conducive to lasting peace and socio-economic recovery across the North East.
CONCLUSION
The successes recorded this week, notably the counterattack of the ISWAP assault in Kukawa, the safe return of the 20 prospective corps members in Imo State and the neutralisation of a senior ISWAP commander in Ondo State, reaffirms the AFN’s committed to creating a safe and secure environment.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, AFM, commends the courage and professionalism of troops across all theatres of operations, and pays solemn tribute to the personnel who paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation.
He urged troops to guard against complacency, particularly with the approach of the festive season, and to remain vigilant, disciplined and ready at all times.
The CDS also commends other security agencies for their collaboration and calls on them to sustain information sharing and joint planning.
He equally appreciates the media for their balanced reportage, while cautioning against the publication of unverified information or operational details that could undermine ongoing operations or give comfort to the enemy.
Finally, a message goes out to all terrorist collaborators, informants, logistics suppliers and gunrunners that the net is closing in on them.
The CDS urges all traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens to reject, and promptly report, any person aiding criminals, assuring the nation that the Armed Forces will sustain this tempo of operations until peace and security are fully restored.
