Military Operations: Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Arrest 33 Suspects Nationwide
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralised two terrorists and arrested 33 suspected terrorists, informants, spies, logistics suppliers and collaborators across the country between September 4 and 10, 2026, as troops intensified operations against terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists on ongoing military operations across the various theatres.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded a wave of surrenders, with 17 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendering in Monguno and along the Gwoza-Limankara Road in Borno State between September 4 and 7.
According to Onoja, the terrorists cited hunger, harsh living conditions and lack of basic provisions in their enclaves on the Mandara Mountains as reasons for surrendering.
Troops also rescued a female abductee and her one-year-old child near Gava in Gwoza Local Government Area on September 8. The victim reportedly disclosed that she had been forced into child marriage by her captors in 2025.
Several suspected terrorists, informants and spies were also arrested across Borno and Adamawa States during the period.
The military further disrupted terrorist logistics networks, arresting suspected suppliers and intercepting consignments of pharmaceuticals, veterinary supplies, motorcycle spare parts and other materials allegedly destined for terrorist groups.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted offensive operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
In Katsina State, troops supported by an attack helicopter assaulted a suspected hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin at Yantumaki Forest in Danmusa LGA, neutralising one terrorist while others fled.
Troops also recovered motorcycles, medical supplies, a rifle and a machine gun during operations in Sokoto State.
In Zamfara, troops foiled an attempted abduction of a senior nursing school staff member and his family at Yerima Quarters in Kaura Namoda LGA following a distress call.
The troops also intercepted a truck along the Gurbi-Zurmi Road in Jibia LGA of Katsina State and recovered four motorcycles concealed inside fuel and oil consignments allegedly destined for Zamfara State.
Follow-up operations resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects.
In another operation, troops arrested a suspected spy monitoring their location at Dange Market in Sokoto State after he allegedly attempted to bribe soldiers to evade arrest.
Along the Birnin Gwari axis, troops also intercepted a suspected ammunition courier and recovered 300 rounds of ammunition concealed in her belongings.
In Niger State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition abandoned by terrorists following an earlier attack on a military location in Borgu LGA.
In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested four suspected kidnappers during a raid on a Fulani camp within Sasaro/Agor Forest in Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State.
Troops, working with the police and local security groups, also disrupted a ransom collection operation along Juju Junction, behind Ambrose Alli University in Esan West LGA. The suspects reportedly abandoned their victims and fled into nearby bushes.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspects allegedly planning attacks against security agencies in Enugu State.
During separate raids in Enugu East LGA, troops recovered a locally made pistol and knives. In Anambra State, troops responding to a distress call at Umuoba Anam recovered another locally fabricated pistol from a suspect’s residence.
Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops across the various theatres for their commitment and successes in disrupting terrorist networks, arms trafficking and kidnapping operations.
The CDS also commended the cooperation between the military, other security agencies and communities, urging members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to sustaining the tempo of operations while adhering to the military’s Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, International Humanitarian Law and other international best practices.
