AFN Degrades Combat, Logistics Capabilities Of Terrorists, Kidnappers, Economic Saboteurs, Criminal Elements In Multi-theatre Operations

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded successful breakthroughs in its operations. Troops degraded the combat and logistics capabilities of terrorists, criminal elements, kidnappers, and economic saboteurs.

The multi-theater operations conducted within the week led to the liberation of numerous innocent citizens, the recovery of massive caches of weapons, and the disruption of illicit oil-bunkering conduits, further consolidating national security and peace.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the period covering 12 – 18 June 2026.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained kinetic pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP networks across Borno State, executing clearance operations that heavily restricted the operational freedom of insurgent elements. On 12 June 2026, troops along the Damasak-Gubio Main Supply Route (MSR) in the Kareto area of Gubio LGA sighted terrorists with civilian hostages.

On sighting the military, the terrorists abandoned their captives and fled, allowing troops to safely rescue the civilians unhurt.

On 14 June 2026, a 16-year-old family member of a suspected terrorist, identified as Isa Umaru, escaped from the Chikide enclave on the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza LGA due to starvation and severe military pressure, surrendering to troops at Pulka. On 16 June 2026, troops on patrol in Bama LGA thwarted an active kidnapping attempt on local farmers; following an exchange of fire, troops forced the terrorists to withdraw and safely rescued and escorted all the farmers back to their communities.

Additionally, on 17 June 2026, troops at Kirawa engaged terrorists mounted on about 60 motorcycles along the Pulka-Maraba-Kirawa Road in Gwoza LGA; troops effectively repelled the massive group, forcing them to retreat while abandoning 817 rounds of 7.62mm(NATO) ammunition and 3 motorcycles.

Simultaneously, troops achieved extensive breakthroughs in neutralizing espionage and supply operations that fund active insurgent enclaves.

On 14 June 2026, troops tracked and arrested a notorious collaborator, Abubakar Usman (alias Buba), at the GSS IDP Camp in Gwoza town, who confessed his mission was to lure repentant terrorists back to the Mandara Mountains to murder them.

On the same day, a follow-up operation in Kekeno town, Kukawa LGA, led to the arrest of another accomplice linked to terrorist networks.

This chain of confessions further guided troops on 16 June 2026, to Izge community in Gwoza LGA, where they apprehended Modu Auta, a collaborator residing deep within the Sambisa Forest who exposed several other local collaborators now being actively tracked.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted operations to deny terrorists freedom of action across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.

On 12 June 2026, troops conducted fighting patrol through Birnin Saba, Sabon Garin Daudawa, and Yanbuki villages in Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State, where they neutralized one terrorist, recovered an AK-47 rifle, 4 magazines and subsequently destroyed an abandoned insurgent camp.

On 14 June 2026, troops operating along the Zurmi–Jibia Road in the Gurbin Baure area of Jibia LGA, Katsina State, encountered a cluster of terrorists, neutralizing 6 of them and recovered a motorcycle.

On the same day, troops on patrols at Dogon Daji village in Dandi LGA, Kebbi State, engaged a group of fleeing bandits, recovered 2 motorcycles, an RPG launcher tube, and 3 IED chargers.

The military’s offensive posture also yielded massive rescues within the states covered by operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Between 12 – 13 June 2026, troops deployed at Gwashi in Bukuyyum LGA, Zamfara State, intercepted a total of 7 kidnapped victims along the Gwashi Road.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that these individuals, who had been held for approximately two months, managed to escape from captivity within the Bagega Forest as a direct consequence of successful air interdiction missions.

On 15 June 2026, troops in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, responded to sporadic shooting along the Kwagri highway, immediately launching a search-and-rescue operation in the adjoining bushes that
liberated 2 out of 3 abducted passengers.

Later that day, in Zurmi village, Zamfara State, troops sighted a bandit assault that claimed the life of a resident. Troops mobilized from Kaura Namoda, and aggressively suppressed the terrorists with superior firepower, rescuing 3 abducted civilians.

To further disrupt these operations, on 17 June 2026, troops apprehend a 19-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator, Sani Abdu Danfulani, at a checkpoint along the Kaura Namoda–Zurmi Road. Suspect is undergoing investigation.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD

Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD achieved notable successes in targeted operations and direct engagements. In a significant operation, on 16 June 2026, following sustained monitoring that revealed the movement of the wife of notorious terrorist kingpin Auta Ilori towards his camp, troops conducted a targeted operation leading to the interception and arrest of Mrs. Hafsatu Alh Bello, aged 27, at a settlement near Ndeji town in Edu LGA of Kwara State.

She was arrested with her three children, along with one Lawali Oro, his wife Hauwa’u Muhammad, and two children at whose residence she had been sheltering overnight.

During preliminary interrogation, Mrs. Bello admitted awareness of her husband’s activities as a terrorist and kidnapper, providing a significant lead.

On the same date, troops arrested four suspected terrorists in front of a Correctional Farm Centre at Goma, along the Ogbomoso–Oko Road in Ogbomoso South LGA of Oyo State. Preliminary profiling revealed incriminating photographs on mobile phones of two suspects’ showing them dressed in military camouflage and carrying AK-47 rifles.

One suspect also allegedly confessed to involvement in terrorist activities.

On 17 June 2026, troops deployed at Erena conducted a fighting patrol to Dnakawala and Ghoghola villages in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.

Troops made contact with approximately 20 motorcycle-mounted terrorists and forced them to withdraw. On the same date, in continuation of clearance operations within the Gbugbu/Ndeji Forest area, troops at a blocking position at Ndeji village in Edu LGA of Kwara State intercepted and arrested two suspected terrorists en route to Gbugbu.

Preliminary investigation, supported by voice audio recording analysis, revealed that one of the suspects, Hussieni Minna, had participated in the foiled kidnapping of school children at Iluke-Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA of Kogi State, an operation that had previously resulted in the neutralization of notorious terrorist kingpin Ibrahim Battijo.

The second suspect, Sani Abbas, confessed to membership of a terrorist syndicate operating in the Udawa area of Kaduna State.

Both suspects have been transferred for further investigation.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained their operations with significant outcomes. On 13 June 2026, troops raided Hurti village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State apprehended a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler.

On 14 June 2026, troops initiated a covert operation at Makera in Riyom LGA, Plateau State, intercepting a white Peugeot vehicle traveling from Jos South.

A thorough search revealed 2 locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition and photographs of the suspect wearing a police uniform.

The suspect was identified as Danjuma Yusuf, a former Police Inspector who had been dismissed from service.

On 15 June 2026, during stop-and-search duties in Jaba LGA, Kaduna State, troops intercepted Francis Yakubu, who claimed to be an active member of a security agency traveling from Abuja.

He was found without valid identification, and a search of his possession revealed a fabricated pistol loaded with 6 rounds of 9mm ammunition and an AK-47 magazine loaded with 9 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. He is undergoing investigation.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained effective responses to kidnapping threats and criminal activities across Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States.

On 11 June 2026, search operations by youths in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA of Benue State, following an abduction incident along the Ugbokolo–Aokpe Road, led to the rescue of several victims and the capture of 3 suspected kidnappers.

On 16 June 2026, troops around Adankolo Forest in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State arrested a suspected terrorist informant identified as Shu’aibu Isah.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to providing information to terrorists and identifying potential attack targets in the Aiyegunle community.

The suspect has been taken into custody for further investigation.

On 17 June 2026, following credible intelligence, troops arrested a suspected arms and ammunition courier along the Awe–Lafia Road in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State.

After days of close monitoring, troops apprehended the suspect with jerrycans loaded with an unconfirmed number of concealed 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

The suspect and recovered items are in custody and undergoing investigation. On 17 June 2026, following a successful military air strike on Kachallah Danguntu’s camp, troops maintaining a block position within the Adankolo Forest in Lokoja LGA, Kogi State, intercepted and rescued 5 traumatized victims released by the fleeing terrorists.

The victims were immediately stabilized at a military medical facility.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained an aggressive posture against maritime crimes and economic sabotage, protecting critical national infrastructure by targeting illegal oil-refining and smuggling hubs.

On 15 June 2026, along Stadium Road in Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, troops tracked and impounded a large commercial truck conveying approximately 45,000 liters of illegally purchased black oil.

On 15 June 2026, troops and Tantita Security team executed a maritime patrol at Buguma Base in Asari-Toru LGA, Rivers State, intercepting a large wooden boat laden with 400 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) estimated at 20,000 liters, forcing the smugglers to abandon the cargo and swim into the dark.

Additionally, on 16 June 2026, troops raided a major bunkering fuel dump in the Kpansia general area of Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, seizing 2 vehicles amongst others.

The military also neutralized some violent kidnapping cartels in the South South region.

On 16 June 2026, troops trailing targets along Ihumudumu Road in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA of Edo State, apprehended an active member of a regional kidnapping syndicate. His interrogation led to an immediate cordon-and-search operation at Ujuelen Extension in Ekpoma later that evening, resulting in the capture of a co-conspirator, Abdulsalim Adama.

Furthermore, on 17 June 2026, troops conducting operations at the Mango-Mango Hausa Quarters in the Igo community, Ovia North-East LGA of Edo State, arrested another wanted kidnapper, Musadik Tanimu, effectively breaking up local ransom-seeking cells.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA

Troops of Operation UDO KA maintained pressure against secessionist elements, cultists, and criminal networks across Abia and Imo States.

On 14 June 2026, troops raided a location at Afara Isaima in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, arrested Mr. Emeka Kalu Chiowa. Preliminary findings revealed the suspect’s involvement in kidnapping activities and his role as an IPOB/ESN logistician, serving as a critical supply chain element for the outlawed group.

The suspect is in custody undergoing further investigation.

On 15 June 2026, in a significant operation, troops at FOB Okigwe, arrested suspected IPOB/ESN Commander Mr. Chima Ejiofor Emmanuel, also known as ‘Moroco’, at Life Care Maternity Hospital in Okigwe LGA of Imo State, where he was recuperating following appendicitis surgery

. Preliminary investigation confirmed his active membership in the outlawed IPOB/ESN group operating around the Okigwe area. The suspect confessed to having joined the group in 2025 and participating in their activities before withdrawing due to health challenges.

AIR INTERDICTION

In continued air support to ground operations, troops of the Air Component, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted a mission in support of the Abuja - Kaduna train service after the train developed a technical fault en route on 12 June 2026. 

A NAF helicopter provided air cover, patrolling the Kaduna – Abuja Main Supply Route, the adjoining rail track, and the Rijana and Katari general areas.

The mission was extended to include a patrol over the perimeter of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, before the aircraft returned to base.

CIVIL MILITARY COOPERATION ACTIVITIES

Troops sustained Civil-Military Cooperation outreach to host communities during the period.

On 11 June 2026, troops distributed 40 bags of fertiliser to selected farmers at Dahuwa Primary School, Chamo District, Dutse LGA, Jigawa State, as part of efforts to support agricultural productivity and strengthen ties with local communities.

The exercise, conducted peacefully and without incident, benefited farmers drawn from communities within the area, and was witnessed on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff by the
Commander, 26 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General OI Odigie.

The initiative reflects the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s broader policy of complementing combat operations with deliberate community development and welfare support, in line with the Chief of Defence Staff’s directive to all theatre commanders to fully integrate CIMIC into operational activities nationwide.

CONCLUSION

The rescue of several citizens from unlawful captivity and neutralizing networks of economic saboteurs, gunrunners, and terrorists, indicate troops sustained duty to protect the nation.

All ongoing operations are strictly guided by the rules of engagement, constitutional mandates, and international humanitarian laws.

The Armed Forces remain committed to defending the rights of citizens and restoring lasting stability, undeterred by the propaganda or asymmetric tactics of terrorist.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR commends the professionalism and inter-agency synergy demonstrated by troops and sister security agencies across all operational theaters.

The CDS reassures the public that the military will sustain its offensive momentum until every pocket of criminality is completely routed.

The CDS reiterates that the military will continue to refine its tactical procedures to maximizer civilian protection and eliminate collateral impact.

The CDS urges all citizens to actively provide timely and accurate information, reminding the public that national security is a shared civic responsibility.