Insecurity: AFN Intensifies Aggressive Offensive Posture In Various Theatres Of Operations
…As troops dismantle terrorists’ camps, decimate hostile combatants, amongst other operational feats
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has sustained an aggressive operational posture in the various theatres of operations across the nation. Operating under unified commands, even as troops systematically dismantled insurgent camps, neutralized hostile combatants, intercepted critical logistical supply lines, and liberated abducted citizens.
This was contained 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 3 – 9 July 2026.
Major General Onoja noted that these synchronized operations underscore the unyielding commitment of the military to restore peace, security, and socio-economic stability in the country.
He added that by maintaining a rapid-response posture and actively dominating the environment, troops ensured that criminal syndicates, economic saboteurs, and terrorists found no safe haven within Nigeria’s borders.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI executed successful offensive and search-and-rescue operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States to destroy terrorist networks.
On 4 July 2026, troops conducted a search-and-rescue operation in Kaultakairi, Chibok LGA of Borno State, and successfully rescued 6 farmers who had been abducted from Mussa in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State.
The rescued farmers were evacuated to Chibok General Hospital for treatment and provided with relief materials. On the same day, troops deployed in Ngala conducted an offensive operation against ISWAP/JAS enclaves at Wulgo, Hausari, Danbaure, and Jegarawaji in Ngala LGA of Borno State, where they successfully destroyed the terrorists’ logistics and life support structures.
Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist informant during the operation. Further investigation revealed that the arrested suspect was responsible for assisting criminals in identifying wealthy locals at Kasuwan Shanu in Monguno, Borno State, who would then be marked for kidnapping by terrorists.
Additionally, a female civilian and her child surrendered from Yaganari village to troops in Dikwa LGA of Borno State.
Similarly, family members of suspected terrorists escaped from the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops deployed in Gwoza LGA of Borno State between 4 and 6 July 2026.
Logistical strangulation and anti-smuggling operations have continued to frustrate and diminish terrorists’ capabilities in the various theaters of operations.
On 5 July 2026, troops intercepted and arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Gubio town, Borno State.
Items recovered during the arrest include a Volkswagen Golf vehicle loaded with construction materials, solar panels and the sum of ₦47,650.
On 7 July 2026, troops engaged terrorists hibernating in Dutse Mopo within the Mussa general area of Askira Uba LGA of Borno State.
The engagement resulted in the rescue of 2 abductees and recovery of the sum
of ₦1,200,000 in ransom money along with food items.
On the same day, troops apprehended a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier along One Million Road in Damaturu Metropolis and recovered 5 motorcycle tyres intended for delivery to enclaves in Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State.
Furthermore, troops apprehended a wanted criminal, Umar Sani, in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State. Following the arrest, one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 28 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the criminal’s residence in Toungo LGA of Adamawa State.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified combat patrols and tactical ambushes to curb terrorism and kidnapping across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.
On 5 July 2026, troops in Dogon Dawa conducted a fighting patrol to Damari village in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, engaging two armed terrorists on motorcycles, which led to the recovery of a motorcycle and ammunition.
On 7 July 2026, troops thwarted a cattle rustling attempt at Makera Daujin Oda village. The encounter led to the recovery of one locally made revolver rifle, ammunition, 14 cows, and 18 rams. The livestock were returned to local authorities for further action.
On 7 July 2026, troops engaged terrorists during a fighting patrol between Danmusa and Yantumaki crossing points in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State, recovering two AK-47 rifles, magazines with 25 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.
Targeted raids were executed successfully to destroy terrorists logistic stockpiles and infrastructure.
On 4 July 2026, troops deployed at Shanawa in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State apprehended four suspected criminals smuggling metal bed frames and plates. Preliminary investigation confirmed that the items were looted from Bafarawa in Isa LGA of Sokoto State, and were intended as components for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
On 5 July 2026, troops at Kangiwa in Arewa LGA of Kebbi State apprehended a suspected terrorist informant and logistics supplier along the Falde–Gedere Road, recovering a motorcycle and ₦69,000.
On 7 July 2026, troops executed an offensive operation in Sabon Gari area of Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State, neutralized one terrorist and recovered two AK-47 rifles, two RPG rockets, and a motorcycle.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD executed critical interdiction and counter-terrorism operations to disrupt insurgent logistics and weapons trafficking networks across Niger and Kwara States.
On 3 July 2026, troops in Audu Fari, and Babanna responded to reported terrorist activities around Dogon Ruwa in Borgu LGA of Niger State. Following troops’ arrival, the terrorists fled into the Kainji Lake National Park.
Although tactical pursuit yielded no direct contact, a thorough exploitation of the area resulted in the recovery of two motorcycles and six jerrycans filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) abandoned by the criminals.
This logistical disruption was reinforced on 7 July 2026 in Mariga LGA of Niger State, where troops deployed at Kotonkoro disrupted an arms supply ring.
Troops neutralized the threat by arresting three suspects, with subsequent preliminary investigations finding two of the individuals highly culpable, leading to a cordon-and-search operation at their residences that uncovered two AK-47 magazines.
Concurrently, operations in Kwara State successfully intercepted illicit funding channels through transit corridors.
On 3 July 2026, troops deployed at Gada, operating alongside Rangers within the Latan Daji Forest in Edu LGA of Kwara State apprehended a suspect attempting to relocate to Bode via Lafiagi Village.
Tactical teams successfully intercepted and apprehended the suspect at Lafiagi, recovered a mobile phone, a Glo recharge card valued at ₦10,000, and cash totaling ₦400,000.
The suspect and recovered exhibits are in custody to facilitate ongoing profiling and deeper underground network mapping.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE targeted urban criminality, armed robbery, and infiltration networks across Plateau State.
On 3 July 2026, troops responded to armed robbery activity at Yelwa Zengam village in Bassa LGA of Plateau State, engaging the suspected armed robber in a firefight, before wounding and arresting him.
Following the engagement, troops recovered a locally made revolver pistol, a motorcycle, narcotics, and looted electronics.
On the same day, troops apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Sabon Layi village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
The suspect is currently in troops custody and undergoing thorough investigation.
On 4 July 2026, following up on an earlier attack on troops at NIPSS, Kuru in Jos South LGA of Plateau State on 1 July 2026, troops tracked and arrested two key suspects directly linked to the neutralized criminal involved in the infiltration attempt.
The suspects are in custody, undergoing comprehensive interrogations to ascertain their underground support networks and ensure security of critical institutional infrastructure.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE achieved significant breakthroughs in counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across Benue, Kogi, and Taraba States.
On 2 July 2026, acting on credible intelligence regarding kidnapping activities at Jotar village near the Quarantine Checkpoint in Ukum LGA of Benue State, troops deployed at Kyado swiftly mobilized and neutralized a notorious, wanted terrorist kingpin identified as Puuga, recovered an AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines.
In a subsequent defensive sweep on 4 July 2026 at Tse Kyia in Guma LGA of Benue State, troops deployed at Tatyough apprehended a suspected militia member.
In Taraba State, following a prior arrest, troops deployed at Mararaba Donga on 5 July 2026 executed a targeted raid on a hideout in Donga LGA belonging to high-profile suspect Ibrahim Bello (alias Ndula) and successfully recovered an AK-47 rifle linked to his syndicate.
In Kogi State, raid conducted on 3 July 2026 on the camp of a neutralized terrorist leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Baccujo, within the Ofere Forest in Kabba/Bunnu LGA, successfully recovered 249 rustled cattle.
On 4 July 2026, troops operations at a Ruga settlement behind the Obajana community in Lokoja LGA, resulted in the apprehension of a suspected terrorist who confessed to operating under a syndicate led by one Haruna in Okene.
The theater consolidated its operational successes through humanitarian rescues and law enforcement interventions.
On 8 July 2026, troops deployed at Tor-Donga in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, working with the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, successfully liberated 72-year-old Mrs. Lydia Odegba, the mother-in-law of the Katsina-Ala LGA Chairman who had been abducted by a notorious terrorist known as Konyo.
On 7 July 2026, troops patrol along the Abocho – Ajegwuwa – Ohuwda Road in Dekina LGA of Kogi State rescued Mrs. Kuburat Mustapha following her abduction from the Ajiyolo community on 5
July 2026.
Additionally, on 8 July 2026, troops intercepted and rescued a pregnant woman, Mrs. Hauwa Adamu, along the Jakura -Ogbagbo Road in Lokoja LGA, who managed to escape from captivity due to the intense pressure of sustained military offensive operations near the Obajana community where she was originally taken on 28 June 2026.
Along the Kogi–Kwara State boundary on 8 July 2026, troops further intercepted and secured the release of two escaped victims, Muhammed Abubakar and Hauwau Muhammed, who had been abducted from their farms in Pategi LGA.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recorded massive breakthroughs in anti-kidnapping and economic protection operations across Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Rivers States.
On 1 July 2026, troops responded to a maritime abduction incident along the Oron-Ibaka Waterways at Akpa Aron Creek in Oron LGA of Akwa Ibom State, aggressively engaging sea pirates aboard a speedboat and forcing them to abandon 37 traders and crew members on a wooden market boat, who were safely escorted to the Oron Jetty.
On 7 July 2026, troops in conjunction with the DSS conducted a raid at Ekor Forest in Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State, arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin, Saidu Mohammed.
Following a confessional statement, troops tracked and arrested a second gang member, Yakubu Saidu, at Ibillo community on 7 July 2026, verifying his active complicity via forensics on his mobile device and digital platforms.
Simultaneously, relentless anti-illegal bunkering campaigns completely dismantled infrastructure used by economic saboteurs.
On 4 July 2026, following credible intelligence, troops from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh dismantled a major illegal refining complex in the Egboama/Ogbogolo area of Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State.
Troops successfully deactivated three illegal refining sites comprising six refining ovens, three reservoirs, and four dugout pits, while recovering 205,680 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
This was reinforced on 5 and 7 July 2026 when troops conducted sweeps within the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA, discovered and deactivated two additional illegal refining sites that featured drum ovens,
coolants, 400 meters of galvanized siphoning pipes, and quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
The Armed Forces of Nigeria continues to work assiduously to protect Nigerian’s national economic assets and our national heritage.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against secessionist elements and economic criminals to restore public order across Abia, Enugu, and Imo States.
On 3 July 2026, troops launched a tactical raid on a suspected criminal hideout within the Obiakpu community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State; a search of the location led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, a woodland camouflage uniform, 7 face masks, and 7 black t-shirts bearing special forces inscriptions used to impersonate security personnel.
On the same day, acting on credible intelligence, troops in collaboration with the DSS and the Nigerian Police, conducted a precision operation at Umuoji Street, Independent Layout in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State, resulting in the successful arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a double-barrel gun.
Economic protection and anti-bunkering operations further degraded the financial streams of illicit actors within the region.
On 8 July 2026, troops conducted a joint anti-illegal oil bunkering operation within the Ihie-Ahiaaba community in Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State.
On sighting troops, the economic saboteurs abandoned the site and fled into the surrounding bush.
A thorough sweep of the perimeter uncovered and destroyed an expansive illegal bunkering site featuring 70 illegal pits, 260 litres of AGO, and various specialized exploitation equipment.
STRATEGIC AIR INTERDICTIONS
The Air Component of the AFN provided critical, decisive support across multiple theaters through precision air interdictions and armed reconnaissance missions.
On 6 July 2026, intervention by the Air Component enabled the escape of about 9 kidnapped victims who had been abducted by terrorists from Maroro and Maburya in Mariga LGA of Niger State.
Strategic reconnaissance and economic denial campaigns were further sustained. On 9 July 2026, following timely intelligence indicating that terrorists mounted on approximately 20 motorcycles were moving over 100 rustled cattle from Amana towards the Bina axis, the Phantom conducted an armed reconnaissance over Bina and its environs.
It successfully located the moving adversary with the stolen livestock within the Riyawa Forest, where the criminals attempted to flee on sighting the aircraft.
The formation was immediately engaged, successfully neutralizing the threat before they rejoined their camp.
In conclusion, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, commends the gallantry, tactical precision, and unwavering professionalism demonstrated by troops across all active theaters of operation during these highly successful campaigns.
The CDS acknowledges with the highest respect the supreme sacrifices of the officers and soldiers who laid down their lives to guarantee the sovereignty of the nation, extending his profound condolences to their loved ones and reassuring all citizens that their valor firmly anchors the military’s collective resolve to eliminate asymmetric warfare nationwide.
The Defence Headquarters urges communities and the media to sustain their invaluable partnership with troops by providing timely information to enable successful military operations.
