Military Records Decisive Battle FieldSuccesses Nationwide, Between April 30 And May 7 2026
… Neutralized scores of terrorists, rescued kidnapped civilians, recovered large cache of arms, ammunition, dismantled gun manufacturing factories and many more
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that between April 30 and May 7, troops recorded significant operational successes, including the neutralization of scores of terrorists, the rescue of kidnapped civilians, the recovery of large caches of arms and ammunition, and the arrest of criminal collaborators, logistics suppliers, and illegal arms manufacturers.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, while briefing journalists on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in Abuja on Friday.
According to him, these achievements are indicative of the professionalism, valour, and unwavering commitment of the men and women in uniform who daily place their lives on the line to restore peace and security to the nation.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued to apply unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram/ISWAP remnants across Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe States.
Significantly, on 30 April 2026, a night ambush in Bama LGA of Borno State resulted in the neutralization of four terrorists, with an AK-47 rifle and associated ammunition recovered at the scene.
In Gwoza LGA of Borno State, troops intercepted and rescued six women and children who had been abducted from Ngoshe community during a terrorist raid on 3 March 2026, reuniting them with their families after weeks in captivity.
Additionally, three repentant terrorists voluntarily surrendered to troops in Geidam LGA of Yobe State, while a suspected terrorist logistics supplier arrested during a stop-and-search operation in Yunusari LGA of Yobe State was found in possession of items strongly indicative of terror group affiliation, including turbans, veils, and a substantial sum of cash.
A terrorist who had been coerced into joining an armed group following his abduction on the Monguno-Gajiram road also surrendered to troops, underscoring the increasing erosion of morale within the remnants of the terrorists.
Offensive operations were further intensified when troops executed a three-pronged offensive in Damboa LGA of Borno State, successfully clearing multiple communities including Dusu, Multe, Hawan Burum, Abala, Kimba, and Sabon Gari.
During this operation, one terrorist was captured and two neutralized, while an AK-47 rifle, motorcycles, and other equipment were recovered.
In Taraba State a raid led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Donga LGA and, in a follow-up operation, the apprehension of three additional suspects in Takum LGA.
Recovered items included a fabricated pistol, a pump action rifle, dane guns, AK-47 magazines, and various calibres of live ammunition, confirming the existence of an active arms supply network in the region.
A covert operation in Bama LGA of Borno State further led to the arrest of a female terrorist accomplice who had been awaiting evacuation to a terrorist enclave, while separate raids in Kaga LGA, Borno State, netted two suspected terrorists and a watchlisted informant whose mobile phone contained contacts of intelligence value.
On 7 May 2026, troops deployed in Magumeri successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists. The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base under poor visibility but were met with resistance from the troops, who decisively contained and defeated the assault and neutralized scores of the terrorists.
Exploitation of the area revealed extensive blood trails and several terrorist corpses confirming heavy casualties inflicted on the terrorists.
Troops also recovered PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and magazines. Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense battle.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded a series of engagements against bandits and armed terrorists across Katsina and Zamfara States.
Significantly, in Kankia LGA of Katsina State, troops on fighting patrol intercepted and neutralized two terrorists who were advancing towards a village with hostile intent, recovered an AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, mobile phones, and cash.
A simultaneous patrol in Kankara LGA of Katsina State forced fleeing assailants to abandon two motorcycles and a mobile phone in their haste to escape.
These contacts were followed by a significant engagement in Dutsinma LGA of Katsina State, where four terrorists were neutralized by troops responding to a patrol along the Turare–Yantumaki road.
Items recovered included an AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles.
In Zamfara State, the tempo of operations was markedly elevated following a terrorist attack on troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bagega in Anka LGA. During a fighting patrol along the Bagega–Anka road, troops came under fire from terrorists who subsequently regrouped and launched a direct assault on the FOB.
Reinforcements were swiftly mobilised from multiple FOBs and a Quick Reaction Force, while two Super Tucano aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms were deployed from Kainji to provide close air support.
Coordinated air strikes were executed, and a follow-up ground exploitation confirmed the neutralization of three additional terrorists, with four motorcycles and an AK-47 rifle recovered.
However, one soldier paid the supreme price.
Separately, fighting patrols in Talata-Mafara, Maradun, and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State resulted in the neutralization of five additional terrorists and the recovery of an SK-21 A1 machine gun, a locally fabricated handgun, AK-47 rifles, and multiple rounds of various calibres of ammunition.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD engaged criminal elements across multiple LGAs in clearance and rescue operations.
On 30 April 2026, during a patrol in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, a troops’ column was ambushed by terrorists near Shitoun village.
Troops responded with heavy firepower, neutralized two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, mobile phones, and other items.
Troops subsequently continued clearance operations to Chekugi village, from which terrorists had previously threatened to levy residents, and made further contact with fleeing terrorist at Gamji.
On 30 April 2026, in Edu LGA of Kwara State troops conducted a fighting patrol following a distress call reporting a kidnapping in Guye Doko village.
Troops successfully rescued four kidnapped victims, two of whom were injured and promptly evacuated for medical treatment.
On 3 May 2026, troops in Baruten LGA of Kwara State, apprehended seven suspected kidnappers at Okuta and Boriya, with preliminary investigations linking the suspects to the kidnapping of a civilian.
Two locally fabricated firearms were recovered, and the suspects were subsequently transferred to custody in Ilorin following interrogation.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE demonstrated sustained operation across Nasarawa, Plateau, and FCT during the period under review.
Following the earlier arrest of two kidnappers in Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State on 29 April 2026, a follow-up operation targeting gang members in their hideout resulted in contact engagement in which four kidnappers were neutralised.
On 3 May 2026, troops in conjunction with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) apprehended a suspect along the Abaji – Kwali road in Abuja, who had concealed 250 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition within the engine compartment of a saloon vehicle.
On 5 May 2026, in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State, troops intervened in a kidnap incident and recover an AK-47 rifle, while three kidnappers linked to a prior abduction were arrested in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, and a kidnap victim in Jos South LGA was rescued unhurt after troops responded to an attempted abduction.
Perhaps the most impactful operation in the North Central theatre during the period was the dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing network in Vom, Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
Troops of the Quick Reaction Force conducted a raid on two active manufacturing sites, arrested five suspects in the act of producing illegal firearms.
Items recovered included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, seven AK-47 skeletons, four recoiling springs, four revolver engines, and an array of industrial drilling, filing, and welding machines.
On the 7 May 2026, troops further foiled and apprehended nine suspects in connection with a kidnap attempt in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE witnessed a series of impactful rescue and interdiction operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping syndicates operating within Benue and Kogi States.
On 3 May 2026, in Olamaboro LGA of Kogi State, troops responded to the abduction of a civilian from Orakam village, tracking suspects to a hideout at the Adego trailer park where they neutralised two kidnappers and successfully rescued the victim.
A ransom bag and mobile phone were among items recovered. On 4 May 2026, in Agatu LGA of Benue State, troops conducting a farm patrol came under fire from armed herders who fled in disarray, leaving behind 53 cattle which were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
On 30 April 2026 troops at Kyado in Ukum LGA of Benue State, in a coordinated operation led to the arrest of four suspects, including two women identified as wives of a notorious terrorist known as ‘Papilo’, with a sack of narcotics, locally fabricated rifles, and other items recovered.
Similarly, troops successfully recovered the remaining school children abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage on 27 April 2026.
The group comprising five boys, two girls, and two adult women was intercepted within Agbaja Forest in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State and evacuated to a military medical facility.
In further operations along the Obajana – Lokoja road in Kogi State, troops arrested a suspected ammunition courier who concealed 500 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) belted ammunition inside a bag of maize.
The suspect, who confessed to routinely transporting arms and ammunition for terrorist groups along the River Niger corridor, had been directed to deliver the consignment to Dikko Junction in Niger State.
Additionally, on 6 May 2026, troop rescued 17 kidnap victims along the Okene – Magongo road in Kogi State following a swift troops response to distress reports.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recorded a string of commendable rescue and security operations across Edo State during the period. On 30 April 2026, in Owan East LGA of Edo State, troops responded swiftly to a kidnapping incident at Ishiolili-Olele village, forcing kidnappers to flee on sight and rescuing a victim.
The criminal camp was destroyed and two suspects were arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police.
In Esan Southeast LGA, a night patrol led to the rescue of a kidnap victim in the Ewatto area after troops made contact with criminals who abandoned their victim and fled into the bush.
In a further operation in the same LGA on the 1 May 2026, a tip-off about suspected kidnapper movements in Emu Forest led to a coordinated raid that resulted in the arrest of four suspects, with items including face masks, phones, and SIM cards recovered.
Sustained operational pressure in the South South theatre yielded further results as the period progressed.
On 3 May 2026, troops responded to a distress call along the Okpella – Okene highway in the early hours of the morning, where they discovered that a commercial vehicle had been ambushed by kidnappers.
Troops successfully prevented the criminals from escaping with their victims, and a total of five individuals were rescued, two directly by troops, and three others who had independently escaped from their captors.
Two of the victims sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention. Also, on 5 May 2026, in Ukpaja, Esan Southeast LGA, a joint raid operation conducted by troops in collaboration with NP, the Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and vigilante groups led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers, all of whom were handed over to the police for prosecution.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA maintained robust security operations against the remnants of the IPOB/ESN secessionist terrorist organisation. On 30 April 2026, operations in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State resulted in the arrest of a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner who was found in possession of illegal Biafran currency notes.
Evidence of the continued, albeit diminishing, efforts of the proscribed organisation to sustain a separatist financial infrastructure within the region.
The suspect and recovered items were taken into custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation by military intelligence elements attached to the formation.
Finally, Major General Onoja observed that rhe operational achievements recorded across all theatres represent a compelling testament to the determination of tOf AFN to deliver security, safety, and stability to every Nigerian.
According to him, from the neutralization of terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped civilians to the seizure of illegal weapons factories and the interception of arms couriers, the AFN has demonstrated an operational capability that decisively engages the full spectrum of threats confronting the nation. The evidence is clear: across every geopolitical zone, the Nigerian military is on the march.
Again he noted that communities that were once abandoned to the mercy of criminals are being reclaimed, while citizens who were abducted are returning to their families.
Also, criminal supply chains are being dismantled, weapons are being seized, and those who take up arms against the Nigerian state are being brought to account.
Furthermore, General Onoja averred that the AFN are not unaware of the concerns, anxieties, and legitimate expectations of the Nigerian people.
“We acknowledge that much work remains to be done, and that no level of operational success can fully compensate for the grief of those who have lost loved ones to the scourge of terrorism and kidnapping.
“We carry that grief with us, and it fuels our resolve. The AFN is a professional, non-partisan, and dedicated national institution, committed to operating within the bounds of the rule of law, respecting the rights of citizens, in partnership with civil authorities and other security agencies to deliver an enduring peace.
“The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede pledges to every Nigerian mother who prays for her children’s safety, to every farmer who wishes to return to his land without fear, to every student who deserves to learn in peace, and to every trader who must be free to conduct her livelihood without harassment.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never abandon you. We will not stand down until every Nigerian can live freely, safely, and with dignity in the land of their birth. This is our mandate. This is our mission. This is our promise to Nigeria.”
