AFN Records Notable Operational Successes Against Terrorists, Kidnappers, Bandits, Criminal Elements, Others
…recovers large cache of arms, ammunition, even as scores of terrorists surrendered to troops
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) sustained operations during the month of July 2026, in furtherance of its constitutional mandate to protect lives, property and the territorial integrity of our great country , Nigeria.
Furthermore, DHQ added that in collaboration with other security agencies and local groups, troops recorded notable successes across the operational theatres in the various geopolitical zones.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, made the assertions, in Abuja, on Friday, at the press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the month of July, 2026.
He noted that these successes include the rescue of abducted and kidnap victims, as well as the neutralisation and arrest of terrorists, kidnappers, militias and other criminal elements.
It also includes the surrender of terrorists and their family members, the recovery (or in some cases the destruction) of arms, ammunition, logistics and equipment employed by criminals for illegal acts of economic sabotage.
The period also recorded the successful neutralisation and surrender of several high value targets, which has furthered our operations to diminish the effectiveness of the terrorists’ and criminals leadership structures in identified areas across the country.
In addition, the AFN ensured the safety of strategic national corridors and secured interstate road and rail networks for continuous safety of movement of the populace, goods and services.
Highlights of operations across the theatres during the period are as follows.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained intensive offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe States during the month.
Troops neutralized 54 terrorist fighters, arrested 102 terrorists, rescued 102 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 57 insurgents and their families.
Significantly, on 4 July, troops conducted an offensive operation against ISWAP/JAS enclaves at Wulgo, Hausari and Danbaure in Ngala LGA, Borno State, destroying the terrorists’ logistics and life-support structures.
On 12 July, troops countered a Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Kukawa LGA of Borno State, neutralising Abu Salim al-Barnawi, a senior terrorist commander and propaganda chief, dealing a significant blow to the insurgents’ leadership and information network.
On 19 July, troops destroyed a terrorist hideout during clearance operations in Layi area, Gubio LGA of Borno State.
The operation led to the recovery of a pump-action gun and three AK-47 magazines. In a separate operation, troops neutralised a fleeing terrorist driver and recovered his vehicle in Yunusari LGA of Yobe State.
Troops also sustained the logistical strangulation of terrorist networks through a series of arrests and confiscations.
On 5 July, troops intercepted two suspected logistics suppliers in Gubio LGA of Borno State, recovering a Volkswagen Golf vehicle loaded with construction materials and solar panels.
On 7 July, troops engaged terrorists hibernating in Dutse Mopo in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State, rescuing two abductees and recovering the sum of One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,200,000) only in ransom money.
In a separate operation, troops arrested an ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier along One Million Road, Damaturu Metropolis, Yobe State.
Additionally, a wanted criminal, Umar Sani was apprehended in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State, which led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, between 16 and 23 July, troops also arrested a foreign fighter from Sudan and an illegal immigrant from Ghana at Lassa in Askira Uba LGA.
Troops also arrested five suspected kidnappers with three fabricated AK-47 rifles at Jegalari village in Fune LGA of Yobe State.
Furthermore, the AFN recorded significant humanitarian successes through sustained rescue operations in the North East theatre. Victims freed during the period include six farmers who were abducted in Askira Uba LGA, and later rescued near Kaultakairi, Chibok LGA of Borno State on 4 July.
Troops also rescued a total of 17 kidnap victims comprising 4 adult males, 7 women, 2 young girls and 4 minors from various locations in the theater including Kukawa on 10 July and Amuda Bridge on 17, 21, and 23 July respectively.
All rescued victims were administered first aid treatment and handed over to the Ngoshe community head, Bulama Mallam Kunda. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families. The theatre also recorded a steady trend of surrenders occasioned by sustained offensive pressure on terrorists’ enclaves.
On 1 July, suspected terrorist who fled a Lake Chad camp, surrendered in Mobbar LGA of Borno State. Relatedly, a female and her child also surrendered at Yaganari village, Dikwa LGA of Borno State on 4 July.
Between 4 – 17 July, seven family members of terrorists who escaped the Mandara Mountains surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continue to maintain the momentum of operational successes into the closing days of the month. In a major blow to the terrorists , troops recorded the surrender of a senior ISWAP finance operative along the Ladari-Jegarawa-Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru-Wulgo Main Supply Route on 25 July.
The operative, identified as the Chief Finance Officer of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, surrendered alongside two children and handed over an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle and cash, bringing to about forty-six the number of terrorists and family members who have voluntarily surrendered in recent weeks, and reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing land and air offensives in degrading terrorist capabilities and morale.
On 28 July, three suspected terrorists surrendered to troops in Gubio LGA of Borno State, who fled their camps at Sabon Gari and Tumbun Mota under pressure from sustained air bombardment and confessed during interrogation to being trained as gunboat operators and anti-aircraft gunners for operations in the Lake Chad region.
In a related development, on 28 July, troops arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators who admitted to the alleged offence during interrogation in Magumeri LGA of Borno State.
Additionally, on 29 July, troops conducted a fighting patrol into Bomanda Village in Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State, following reports of kidnapping incidents in the area, and successfully rescued three civilians who had been held captive for about ten days.
The victims were evacuated for medical treatment prior to reunification with their families.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained effective planned operations against terrorists and criminals in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States. During the month of July, troops rescued 191 kidnap victims and neutralized 33 terrorists, while 66 terrorists were arrested.
Significantly, on 5 July, troops engaged two armed terrorists on motorcycles during a fighting patrol to Damari village, Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, recovering two motorcycles and ammunition.
On 7 July, troops engaged terrorists between Danmusa and Yantumaki crossing points, Danmusa LGA of Katsina State, resulting in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and a motorcycle.
While a targeted raid in Sabon Gari, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State, neutralised one terrorist and recovered two AK-47 rifles, two RPG rockets and a motorcycle.
Troops also arrested suspects smuggling Improved Explosive Devices (IED) components in Shanawa, Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, on 4 July. Significantly, a wanted collaborator named Abubakar Tanimu was arrested at a cattle market in Sabuwa, Dogon Dawa, Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, within the same period. Items confiscated during the arrest include a motorcycle, mobile phone and cash.
It noteworthy that several kidnap or abducted civilians were rescued in the North West geopolitical zone in July. On 1 July, troops rescued a female kidnap victim near Kaso, River Shuwaka, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State, who had been abducted from Gora village, Chikun LGA. On 14 July, troops rescued eight civilian hostages and recovered two vehicles following an attack on commuters at Ungwan Rogo village, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State. Similarly, a successful operation led to the rescue of five abductees from a terrorist camp near Tungan Kudaduku village, Anka LGA of Zamfara State.
On 15 July, troops rescued Mahadi Haruna, who had been abducted from his father’s farm in Barza village, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State.
The abducted victim has been reunited with his family. On 21 July, troops responded to a terrorist blockade along the Gummi-Sokoto road, Gummi LGA of Zamfara State.
Following the encounter, troops rescued eleven abducted civilians and recovered a motorcycle belonging to their abductors.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and a driver from the same attack.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also recorded several operational successes from 25 to 27 July. On 25 July, troops responded to a distress call from Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State, following the abduction of a Local Government Chairman and members of his family.
A swift pursuit forced the attackers to abandon their victims. Hence, the Chairman’s two wives alongside a mother and her two children were rescued, while troops cordoned off the Gamagiwa Forest area in conjunction with other security agencies to recover the remaining captives.
On 26 July, troops responded to an attack on Magama village, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State, engaging the attackers with superior firepower and rescuing forty-eight abducted civilians. In a separate operation, troops secured the release of a kidnap victim at Karkata village, Charanchi LGA of Katsina State, who was subsequently reunited with his family.
On 27 July, troops conducted a search and rescue operation following an attack on a commercial bus along the Kano-Kaduna corridor in Falgore Forest, Doguwa LGA of Kano State.
The outcome of the operation was the rescue of ten of the thirteen kidnapped passengers, while troops continued to comb the area in search of the remaining victims. Between 28 and 29 July across Kaura Namoda LGA in Zamfara State and Rabah LGA in Sokoto State, troops neutralised a combined total of 15 terrorists and rescued 59 civilians unharmed, including the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, and members of his family who had been targeted for abduction, as well as a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria, and 21 other residents of Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village who were freed after troops repelled a coordinated kidnapping attempt with superior firepower.
In a related operation conducted in collaboration with police tactical units, troops rescued 32 additional abducted victims, comprising six adult males and 26 females mostly children, in Maikujera Village, Rabah LGA of Sokoto State following a prolonged engagement that forced the remaining terrorists to abandon their captives and rustled livestock and flee into the forest.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD sustained interdiction operations against kidnappers and arms traffickers in Kwara and Niger States. During the month, troops rescued 11 kidnap victims and neutralized 8 terrorists, while 18 terrorists were arrested.
Significantly, on 3 July, troops responded to reported terrorist activity around Dogon Ruwa, Borgu LGA of Niger State, forcing the terrorists to flee.
On 7 July, troops disrupted an arms supply ring at Kotonkoro, Mariga LGA, Niger State, arresting three suspects and recovered two AK-47 magazines during a follow-up search.
Furthermore, a separate operation conducted in Latan Daji Forest, Edu LGA of Kwara State, led to the arrest of a suspect at Lafiagi and the recovery of Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N400,000.00) only in cash.
On 15 July, troops rescued two kidnap victims following a night patrol response to an incident at Agwan Tomato, Tafa LGA of Niger State.
On 16 July, troops in collaboration with Forest Guard operatives rescued two children at Oke Oba village following credible intelligence on terrorists near Owa-Onire community, Isin LGA of Kwara State.
Following an engagement during the operation, one terrorist was neutralized and an AK-47 rifle, ten magazines and a Dane gun were recovered by the troops.
On 22 July, troops conducted a search and rescue operation at Jonloji area, Aboki town, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State, neutralising four kidnappers, arresting two others and rescuing one kidnapped victim.
On 26 July , troops arrested three suspected terrorists at Gaban Lema village, Edu LGA of Kwara State acting on information obtained during an investigation.
Troops recovered a locally made pump-action rifle during the arrest. Also, on 29 July, troops in conjunction with Forest Guards, responded to a distress call at Latan Daji, Patigi LGA of Kwara State, troops neutralised 4 terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped victims who were subsequently reunited with their families.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained operations against armed robbers, gunrunners and militia elements across Kaduna and Plateau States.
During the month, troops rescued 18 kidnap victims and neutralized 2 terrorists, while 60 terrorists were arrested.
Significantly, On 3 July, troops apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Sabon Layi village, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. On 4 July, troops arrested two suspects linked to an earlier attack on NIPSS, Kuru, Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
On 13 July, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying arms at Samaru Checkpoint, Zangon-Kataf LGA of Kaduna State, arresting one suspect and wounding another who attempted to flee.
Accordingly, troops recovered three locally fabricated rifles and four submachine guns allegedly destined for onward transportation to Niger State.
On 14 July, troops arrested a wanted suspect named Abdulrazaq Mohammed at Rafiki village, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, linked to attacks on Sabon Gida and Twin Hill. Following the arrest, troops also rescued four kidnap victims following a highway blockade along the Hawan Kibo-Rafin Sanyi axis, Riyom LGA. On 18 July, troops recovered a locally fabricated rifle and four rounds of ammunition at a suspected terrorist hideout within the Agingi-Dogon Dutse Mountainous Areas of Bassa LGA of Plateau State.
Furthermore, on 19 July, troops engaged suspected militia and unidentified assailants within Tanjol and Jol communities, Riyom LGA of Plateau State forcing the attackers to withdraw into the highlands.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against kidnappers, militias and terrorist collaborators across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
During the month, troops rescued 24 kidnap victims and neutralized 5 terrorists, while 70 terrorists were arrested.
Significantly, on 2 July, troops neutralised a notorious terrorist kingpin known as Puuga at Jotar village, Ukum LGA of Benue State, and recovered an AK-47 rifle with two magazines.
On 4 July, troops apprehended a suspected militia member at Tse Kyia, Guma LGA of Benue State. On 5 July, troops raided the hideout of a high-profile suspect Ibrahim Bello alias Ndula at Mararaba Donga, Donga LGA of Taraba State, recovering an AK-47 rifle.
During the period from 12 to 21 July, several arrests were recorded to include an ammunition courier arrested along the Keffi-Abuja Road, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, in possession of 60 rounds of AK 47 ammunition.
Similarly, two terrorists were neutralised and three kidnapped victims rescued during clearance operations of a terrorist camp across the River Yooyo in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.
During the operation, an AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, a pistol and assorted ammunition were recovered. Also, five suspected militia members were arrested at Amichio village, Otukpo LGA of Benue State, including one linked to the 16 July attack on Ankpechi village.
Additionally, two terrorists linked to the Kachallah Babangida group were apprehended at various locations within Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
The theatre also recorded extensive humanitarian rescues throughout the period. On 7 July, troops rescued Mrs Kuburat Mustapha along the Abocho-Ajegwuwa-Ohuwda Road, Dekina LGA, Kogi State, following her abduction from Ajiyolo community.
On 8 July, troops also rescued 72-year-old Mrs Lydia Odegba at Tor-Donga, Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. In the same vein, troops rescued a pregnant woman named Hauwa Adamu, who had escaped captivity along the Jakura-Ogbagbo Road, Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
Troops further secured the release of Muhammed Abubakar and Hauwau Muhammed along the Kogi-Kwara State boundary who had both been abducted from farms in Pategi LGA of Kwara State.
On 16 July, troops rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre at Olowa, Dekina LGA of Kogi State.
On 17 July, troops rescued one victim at Torkula village along the Nasarawa-Benue border following a kidnap incident at Ornan village, Keana LGA of Nasarawa State.
On 23 July , troops rescued a kidnap victim along the riverine border between Nasarawa and Benue States at Tunga, Awe LGA of Nasarawa State.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also sustained operations against armed criminals and terrorist facilitators from 24 – 28 July.
On 24 July, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Igbayima-Pevikiya road, Ukum LGA of Benue State, forcing the criminals to flee and preventing the victims’ vehicle from being stolen. On 25 July, troops rescued a kidnap victim along the Koton Karfe-Okparake Road, Kogi State, and in a follow-up operation, arrested three suspected informants and logistics couriers who were subsequently identified by the victim as having facilitated his abduction.
On 28 July, troops cleared a suspected terrorist camp at Lande Jessi village, Lau LGA of Taraba State, rescuing three kidnap victims who had been held captive for about a week and reuniting them with their families at Bomunda village.
As a follow-up operation, troops successfully intercepted two suspects at Dobi Checkpoint, recovering a substantial sum of cash suspected to be proceeds of kidnap-for-ransom activities.
Troops sustained the momentum of clearance and rescue operations on 29 July, troops conducted clearance operations across Ikyaior, Gbagir, Atereyange, Atombagen, Chito, Adamawa and Gborgbor villages in Ukum LGA, Benue State, following information on suspected criminals hibernating in the area.
The operation led to the discovery and destruction of a hideout suspected to belong to notorious terrorist Full Fire at Ikyaior village, where a round of 12.7 x 106mm ammunition and empty 7.62 x 51mm casings were recovered.
Troops arrested 12 suspects during the operation at Adamawa village. In a separate development, troops deployed at Patrol Base Isanlu Esa, while on routine patrol at Bushasha Farm along the Kogi/Kwara State border, intercepted two escaped kidnap female victims accompanied by their children, who disclosed during debriefing that they had been abducted from their farms in the Okoloke area of Yagba West LGA of Kogi State, and held at a terrorist camp in the Chigogo Hills area of Kwara State, before being successfully reunited with their relatives.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained anti-kidnapping and economic protection operations across Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers States.
During the month, troops arrested 3 terrorists, rescued 37 civilians, dismantled 18 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 250,500 litres of petroleum products.
Significantly, on 1 July, troops engaged sea pirates aboard a speedboat along the Oron-Ibaka Waterways at Akpa Aron Creek, Oron LGA of Akwa Ibom State, forcing them to abandon 37 traders and crew members, who were safely escorted to the Oron Jetty.
On 7 July, troops in conjunction with the DSS arrested notorious kidnap kingpin known as Saidu Mohammed at Ekor Forest, Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State.
Troops subsequently tracked and arrested a second gang member, Yakubu Saidu, at Ibillo community, using forensic evidence from Saidu’s mobile device.
On 14 July, troops raided suspected kidnappers’ hideout between Era Primary Health Care Centre and Olelo Community, Esan West LGA, Edo State, following a kidnap incident at Ambrose Alli University, neutralising one kidnapper, recovering three rifles and ammunition, and rescuing three abductees.
On 22 July, troops conducted clearance operations within Otuo Forest, Owan East LGA, and the Agor-Igarra-Sassaro Forest, Akoko Edo LGA of Edo State, following a kidnap incident at Agor Bridge.
The operations led to the arrest of a kidnapper and arms supplier alongside two other suspects linked to arms and kidnapping activities.
Troops sustained an aggressive campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State.
On 4 July, troops dismantled a major illegal refining complex in the Egboama/Ogbogolo area, Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State, deactivating three refining sites and recovered stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
This was reinforced on 5 and 7 July with the deactivation of two other illegal refining sites within the Orashi National Forest.
Troops discovered additional illegal refining sites within Ogbogolo community, Ahoada East LGA during operations conducted from 11to 22 July. Specifically, anti-oil theft operations conducted on 19 and 22 July resulted in the discovery of five illegal bunkering camps at Egboama and Egbogolo area.
Subsequently, approximately 25,000 litres of stolen crude, and 2,000 litres of suspected illegal Premium Motor Spirit at Okrika, Okrika LGA were recovered and handled according to the OPDS Mandate. On 22 July, a separate operation around Eleme Refinery, Eleme LGA, led to the interception of six vehicles conveying suspected stolen crude oil and the arrest of five suspects.
On 24 July, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE also intercepted about 15,500 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at Okrika waterways, Rivers State.
The arrests significantly disrupted the illegal operations of economic saboteurs operating within the Niger Delta, reinforcing the sustained campaign against crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism.
The AFN continues to conduct operations to safeguard our national economic assets and enhance maritime security.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against secessionist agitators, gunrunners and economic saboteurs in Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo and Rivers States.
During the month, troops arrested 26 criminals and rescued 10 civilians.
Significantly, on 1 July, troops arrested a suspected armourer and logistics courier along the Akpe Aggah-Egbema Forest axis, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, recovering assault rifles, magazines and ammunition.
On 3 July, troops raided a suspected criminal hideout in Obiakpu community, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, recovering a pump-action gun and items used to impersonate security personnel.
In a separate operation, troops arrested a suspect and recovered a double-barrel gun at Umuoji Street, Independent Layout, Enugu North LGA of Enugu State.
On 8 July, troops destroyed an illegal bunkering site featuring 70 pits and 260 litres of Automotive Gas Oil at Ihie-Ahiaaba community, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State.
Troops sustained the momentum with further arrests and recoveries. Following the arrest of cult member and kidnapper Vitalis Confidence in June , troops raided Ogbogoro community, Obiakpor LGA, Rivers State, recovering an assault rifle and 45 rounds of ammunition on 12 July.
On 14 July, troops arrested two suspected members of IPOB at Atan and Uhuru villages, Arochukwu LGA of Abia State, recovering a pump-action gun and cartridges. On 17 July, troops arrested three suspects linked to IPOB/ESN activities at Imezi Owa community, Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State. On 23 July, troops raided a forest hideout at Awara Community Waterside along the Omoku-Ogbaku-Ndoni axis, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Rivers State, recovering a Lee-Enfield MK 1 rifle, a G3 rifle and 129 rounds of assorted ammunition concealed within a hideout used for kidnapping and attacks on security agencies.
AIR INTERDICTIONS
The Air Component of the AFN provided support to various operations and ground offensives through precision air interdictions and armed reconnaissance missions during the period.
On 6 July, Air Component intervention enabled the escape of about nine kidnapped victims abducted by terrorists from Maroro and Maburya, Mariga LGA of Niger State. On 25 July, the Air Component recorded a further significant success following precision air strikes that neutralised terrorists advancing within the Kontagora axis of Niger State.
Acting on information indicating the movement of armed terrorists threatening friendly troops and nearby communities, an Air Component surveillance and strike mission established persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance over the Unguwan Gotsa-Kontagora area, monitoring the activities of suspected terrorists while ensuring positive target identification.
Following confirmation of hostile intent, a precision strike was executed against an initial group of terrorists, while a second group of about fifteen terrorists attempting to move through the same axis was tracked and struck upon receipt of the necessary operational authorisation.
Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the effective neutralisation of both targets.
ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION (CIMIC) ACTIVITIES
In furtherance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede’s directive, formations and units of the AFN enhanced Civil-Military Cooperations initiatives within their areas of operations with the aim of strengthening community relations.
To this end, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted mediation meetings on 17 and 24 July between SEEPCO and its host communities of Aseomuku and Umusadege-Ogbe to resolve disputes threatening peace in the operational area.
In the Aseomuku engagement, the mediation team directed the company to review outstanding community documentation and present a formal response at the next sitting.
While in the Umusadege-Ogbe engagement, the company was directed to complete an outstanding road project and expand local content employment ahead of a follow-up review next month.
Both engagements reflect the AFN’s ongoing efforts to sustain dialogue and de-escalate tension between oil and gas operators and host communities within the Niger Delta.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted a series of peace and security meetings across Benue and Nasarawa States on 4, 9 and 17 July, at Abako (Katsina-Ala LGA), Jato-Aka (Kwande LGA) and Agbaragba (Guma LGA) respectively, bringing together community leaders, traditional rulers, local government officials and representatives of other security agencies to address inter-ethnic and communal tensions.
All engagements were reported successful, reflecting the sustained commitment of the AFN to dialogue-based conflict resolution and confidence-building among host communities within its area of operations.
Troops also supported public health response efforts within the North East theatre. Following a cholera outbreak at Cross Kauwa, Kukawa LGA of Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI were deployed on 4 July to set up temporary treatment and quarantine measures in coordination with local health authorities.
Furthermore, troops partnered with the Nigerian Bar Association and General Hospital Baga to conduct a cholera sensitisation campaign across schools and markets in Baga and Doro Baga to educate residents on the symptoms, prevention and hygiene practices.
Several CIMIC activities were also conducted in the various geopolitical zones. Some which include the construction of a town hall in Kutia Village Obudu Cross River State, construction of industrial solar power borehole with 80,000 liters overhead tank capacity in Kerau Area of Katsina State and construction of town hall and installation of 500kva transformer at Lowa Community, Ihitte Uboma LGA in Imo State.
Other CIMIC activites are the construction of an industrial solar power borehole with 80,000 liters overhead tank capacity in Muye Community of Niger State, re-installation of electrification in Ikot Edeghe Mkpat Enin LGA of Akwa Ibom State, and renovation and furnishing of a primary school building in Allor, Ankpa LGA of Kogi State.
There was also the installation of an industrial solar powered borehole and water reticulation with 60,000 liters overhead tank water capacity in 5 different water points at Esie Kingdom in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
In conclusion, Major General Onoja remarked that the operational record for the month of July stands as compelling testimony to the sustained resolve of the AFN to ensure a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace to thrive in our country.
Over 102 terrorists and criminals were neutralized this month, with 345 terrorist/criminals arrested and 393 kidnap victims rescued. Additionally, 57 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 59 arms and 1,811 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft has continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs.
On the whole, the AFN has significantly degraded the capabilities of criminal and terrorist across the nation. (Brief illustration on the chart and overall national operational activities).
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, AFM, commends the professionalism of troops across all theatres of operation for the successes recorded during the month of July.
The CDS specially commends troops of the AFN and other security agencies for the synergy that culminated in the safe rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers who were tragically abducted from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, on 15 May .
It is imperative to note once again, that the rescue was achieved without any concession to the abductors and no quarter shall be given to perpetrators of such heinous crime, going forward.
The CDS extends heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the course of that woeful incident, as well as to the loved ones of officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice during the period.
The CDS reaffirms the AFN’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property nationwide and its resolve to ensure that terrorism, kidnapping, secessionist agitation and other forms of criminality are purged from our society.
The Defence Headquarters appreciates the media for its continued balanced and responsible reportage of military operations, and commends other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their sustained collaboration with troops.
The CDS urges all Nigerians that national security is a shared civic responsibility.
The general public is encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193.
Information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
