Troops Rescue 150 Kidnapped Citizens, Neutralized Scores Of Terrorists, Received Over 50 Surrendered Terrorists Fighters, Dismantled Extremists’ Logistics Network In October, 2026
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that troops rescued over 150 abducted and kidnapped citizens, neutralised scores of terrorists, received the surrender of more than 50 terrorist fighters and family members, and dismantled logistics, intelligence as well as arms trafficking networks across the nation, between September 30 and October 30, 2026.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations made the disclosure in a press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the month of October 2026.
According to him, among the defining operations of the month were the neutralisation of a senior ISWAP leader in Owo Forest, Ondo State, on 2 October 2026. This was in addition to troops fending off a determined ISWAP assault on Kukawa town between 6 and 7 October 2026.
Others notable operations include the successful rescue and safe return of 20 abducted prospective corps members in Imo State and the successful repelling of a large Lakurawa attack in Maiyama LGA of Kebbi State both on 7 October 2026.
In addition, troops rescued 29 farmers in Mariga on 15 October 2026 and 27 villagers at Gamji on 16 October 2026.
This monthly press briefing will therefore highlight these operations across all geopolitical zones as well as the AFNs civil-military activities, for the information of the general public. Highlights of operations across the geo-political zones during the period are are subsequently discussed.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
In the North East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained relentless operations against terrorism and its support networks across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States, with the Air Component providing decisive support.
During the month, troops neutralized 162 terrorists and rescued 39 kidnap victims, arrested 98 terrorists, while 68 terrorists surrendered.
On 1 October 2026, troops supported by the Air Component conducted coordinated operations in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State, neutralised five terrorists and recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, a Dane gun and ammunition.
On the night of 6 October 2026, a faction of ISWAP terrorists attempted to infiltrate Kukawa town in Borno State.
Troops, supported by the Air Component, countered the attack in an engagement that lasted several hours into the morning of 7 October 2026, neutralised 25 terrorists and recovered six AK-47 rifles, ten magazines, 797 rounds of PKT ammunition, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs and an anti-tank bomb.
On 12 October 2026, troops repelled a terrorist attack in Hong LGA of Adamawa State. Troops neutralised one terrorist and exploitation on 13 October 2026 uncovered a PKT machine gun, six AK-47 rifles, and more than 270 rounds of ammunition.
Following the terrorist attack on troops’ location at Mairari in Guzamala LGA, Borno State, clearance operations between 16 – 18 October 2026 yielded eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle.
On 28 October 2026, troops, ambushed terrorists at Kassasewa in Mafa LGA of Borno State attempting to cross the Mafa-Ajiri Road. Troops recovered five rocket-propelled grenade bombs and 175 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition.
Troops also rescued numerous persons escaping terrorist captivity. Between 4 – 8 October 2026, troops rescued two female abductees around the Kuranabasa axis in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, received three escapees from Cameroon, who were handed over to the Cameroonian Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) at Kirawa on 5 October 2026, and rescued three abductees held for seven years around Armuda and three others around Gava, both in Gwoza LGA.
On 23 October 2026, troops tracked and arrested a kidnapper attempting to collect Seven Million Naira (₦7,000,000) in ransom at Azir Village in Damboa LGA of Borno State.
A sustained wave of surrenders from terrorist enclaves was recorded throughout the month, with more than 50 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendering to troops at locations in Bama, Dikwa, Gwoza, Konduga, Mafa, and Monguno LGAs of Borno State.
The surrendered persons consistently cited hunger, hardship, and violent clashes between rival terrorist factions as their reasons for fleeing.
One suspect who surrendered to local security groups at Buni Gari in Gujba LGA of Yobe State on 17 October 2026 claimed to have been recruited through a social media group in 2024.
In related operations, troops disrupted terrorist logistics and intelligence networks across the theatre. Suspected logistics suppliers, informants and collaborators were arrested at Tarmuwa and Kanama in Yobe State on 3 October 2026.
Further arrests were made in Benisheikh, Damboa, Gubio, Monguno, and Ngurusoye between 10 – 22 October 2026. Between 23 – 25 October 2026, troops also arrested a collector of illegal levies imposed by terrorists at Geidam market.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
In the North West geopolitical zone, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping throughout the month across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States thereby denying terrorists freedom of action.
During the month, troops neutralized 18 terrorists, rescued 167 kidnap victims, arrested 10 terrorists, while 1 terrorist surrendered.
On 7 October 2026, troops countered an attempted attack in Maiyama LGA of Kebbi State, by a large group of Lakurawa terrorists on more than 100 motorcycles armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
Troops neutralised 10 terrorists while the rest fled. In the process, troops captured a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a communication device.
On 29 October 2026, troops patrol in Kuyello came under attack from suspected terrorists and were repelled. Further exploitation led to the neutralisation of 3 terrorists and recovery of one AK 47 rifle, one magazine, 3 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and one Motorcycle.
Troops recorded numerous rescues of kidnapped persons across the theatre. On 1 October 2026, troops rescued 18 kidnap victims unharmed at Unguwan Hudu Village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State.
On 16 October 2026, troops engaged terrorists at Gamji Community in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and rescued 27 villagers they had abducted.
Between 16 – 17 October 2026, troops tracked kidnappers to Yan Taburmi in Falgore Forest, Tudun Wada LGA of Kano State, neutralised two of them, rescued the victim and recovered the sum of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000) only suspected to be ransom.
On 28 October 2026, troops ambushed heavily armed terrorists at Ghana Village in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State at a suspected crossing point at Dan Zaki. This led to the rescue of nine abducted persons, comprising five males and four females.
In related operations, troops intensified operations to disrupt terrorist support and logistics networks. On 8 October 2026, troops arrested a suspected collaborator at Kuyello in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, who admitted to working with terrorists in kidnap-for-ransom operations.
On 23 October 2026, two suspects were arrested in Kuyello, one of whom admitted delivering logistics items, including fragmentation jackets, to terrorists at Damari.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD sustained operations against terrorism and kidnapping across Kwara and Niger States.
During the month, troops neutralized 3 terrorists, rescued 29 kidnap victims, arrested 3 terrorists, and facilitated the surrender of 1 terrorist.
On 10 October 2026, troops responded to the abduction of residents from farmlands in the Eruku-Egbe-Koro Forest area of Ekiti LGA of Kwara State and rescued 18 kidnapped persons.
On 15 October 2026, troops at Bangi responded to a distress call of terrorists attempting to abduct farmers at Magaji Mai Kadarko Village, Bangi District, in Mariga LGA of Niger State.
Troops engaged them and rescued 29 residents from nearby bushes, although one resident had regrettably been killed by the terrorists before the arrival of troops.
Additionally, on 18 October 2026, a wanted terrorist kingpin and his accomplice at the kingpin’s residence were arrested in Mokwa town, Niger State, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.
In a related operations, on 26 October 2026, troops on a fighting patrol to Latan Daji in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, neutralised two kidnappers and rescued five kidnapped victims.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained operations to disrupt kidnapping networks and illegal arms trafficking in Kaduna and Plateau States.
During the month, troops neutralized 6 criminals and rescued 13 kidnap victims, while 84 criminals were arrested. On 10 October 2026, troops arrested a suspect linked to the attack on Kassa community on 24 September 2026 at Barkin Ladi Main Market.
The suspect was also linked to the killing of a resident on 16 April 2026 and the attack on Kassa Community on 24 September 2025.
On 11 October 2026, troops conducted operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State, arrested a suspected arms fabricator at Heipang and three other suspects over illegal arms trafficking, and recovered locally fabricated weapons and ammunition.
On 20 October 2026, troops conducted clearance operations at a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Bangai Fulani Hamlet in Riyom LGA of Plateau State, which led to the rescue of two persons kidnapped on 18 October 2026 while travelling to Jos and the arrest of three suspects, one of whom was identified as a logistics supplier.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
In the North Central geopolitical zone, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against kidnapping, banditry and arms trafficking across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
During the month, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and rescued 68 kidnap victims, while 71 terrorists were arrested.
Significantly, On 16 October 2026, troops ambushed kidnappers moving victims from Kwara State into Kogi State between Okoloke and Isanlu-Esa in Yagba West LGA, rescuing five victims.
On 19 October 2026, troops pursued the attackers of a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba Road in Ijumu LGA of Kogi State and rescued 11 passengers.
Troops also conducted raids against armed elements. On 7 October 2026, troops raided a suspect’s residence at Wura Baba Village near Abbare in Lau LGA of Taraba State, recovering a fabricated sub-machine gun pistol, and the hideout of an accomplice of an arms trafficker at Sabon Gidan Usha in Donga LGA, recovering 100 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
On 19 October 2026, troops raided the hideout of the second-in-command of a gang leader at Kufai Ahmadu Community in Takum LGA of Taraba State, neutralising him and capturing a pistol, 16 rounds of ammunition.
On 26 October 2026, troops intercepted armed persons moving a herd of cattle from Nasarawa State into Guma LGA of Benue State and recovered two AK-47 rifles and four empty magazines.
In related operations, troops disrupted arms trafficking and kidnapping networks. Between 19 – 22 October 2026, troops arrested a wanted gunrunner and militia leader at Jape Village in Vandeikya LGA of Benue State.
Troops also arrested a suspected arms dealer in Jalingo, Taraba State, over the attempted sale of 200 rounds of ammunition.
The suspect disclosed the location of three AK-47 rifles. Additionally, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper at Kala in Lankaviri, Yorro LGA of Taraba State.
The suspects confession led to the arrest of other members of a syndicate operating with six AK-47 rifles. On 28 October 2026, troops responding to local reports at Abaji in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State arrested two suspects alleged to be providing logistics for the leader of an armed militia gang.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained operations against kidnapping, crude oil theft and civil disorder across Cross River, Edo, and Rivers States.
During the month, troops neutralized 2 criminals, arrested 45 criminals, dismantled 49 illegal refining sites, and recovered 756,837 litres of petroleum products in conjunction with Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
On 1 October 2026, troops restored order at Ekureku Community in Abi LGA of Cross River State, after residents mobbed and disarmed personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency during a raid.
Troops rescued the personnel, recovered five FN rifles and two Beretta pistols seized by the residents, and escorted the personnel safely to Ugep Community.
On 7 October 2026, troops conducting an anti-illegal oil bunkering operation at Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State, discovered three illegal refinery sites, further denying oil thieves access to the facilities that sustain their illicit trade.
In Edo State, troops sustained anti-kidnapping operations. On 11 October 2026, in an operation at Sasaro Forest in Akoko-Edo LGA following a tip-off, troops rescued an abductee, neutralised three suspected kidnappers and captured three locally fabricated firearms and nine cartridges.
On 20 October 2026, troops conducted offensive operations at Amendokhian Forest in Esan North East LGA, neutralised a suspected kidnapper and recovered a pump-action rifle with six live cartridges.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against kidnapping, secessionist elements and criminality across Abia, Anambra and Imo States.
During the month, troops neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 22 criminals, and rescued 33 civilians.
On 1 October 2026, troops responded after gunmen flagged down two commercial buses on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State and abducted 20 persons, including prospective NYSC corps members, ten passengers, among them eight prospective corps members.
Following intense pressure from troops and other security agencies, the abducted prospective corps members, were rescued at Ndegwu Community in Owerri West LGA on 7 October 2026.
Subsequently, on 16 October 2026, a joint security team arrested five members of the syndicate in the Irete/Orogwe area of Owerri West LGA of Imo State recovered three AK-47 rifles, an English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The criminals are currently facing trial for their nefarious activities.
In Anambra State, troops rescued three persons abducted from the Osakwa area of Ihiala LGA, and a follow-up operation on 1 October 2026 to the syndicate’s camp at Abator in Ogbaru LGA, located through a captured kidnapper.
Troops neutralised 10 terrorists and recovered five rifles, three dane guns, ammunition and materials for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT OPERATIONS
On 2 October 2026, a combined team of security forces conducted an operation against terrorists in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
They neutralised several terrorists, including a senior ISWAP leader, Abdussamad Ohida, who was the deputy to the ISWAP leader in Central Nigeria.
He had assumed leadership of the group following the leader’s arrest by the Department of State Services in 2023.
He was involved in planning large-scale attacks on citizens in several states during the forthcoming festive season, and his neutralisation represents a major blow to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria.
ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION (CIMIC) ACTIVITIES
In furtherance of the AFN’s commitment to civil-military cooperation, community resilience and the welfare of host communities, the Nigerian Army sustained its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives through a Key Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Offa, Kwara South, on 22 September 2026, followed by medical outreaches at Oke Ode on 23 September, Omu-Aron on 25 September, Erin-Ile on 26 September and Ilemona on 27 September 2026.
Similarly, the Nigerian Navy undertook community development projects across several states in October 2026.
These include the reconstruction of Okwu Owerre Community Hall, provision of a solar-powered industrial borehole, water storage and reticulation facilities at Uzoubi-Umuna, Orlu LGA of Imo State on 7 October 2026. Perimeter fencing of Omolaiye Community School in Ikorodu North LGA of Lagos State on 13 October 2026.
This was followed by the installation of an industrial solar borehole, 35,000-litre overhead water tank and reticulation system at Oke Ejigbo, Ila Orangun, Osun State on 22 October 2026, and construction of a modern community hall, mini-marts and an IT garden at Ibore-Irrua Kingdom, Esan Central LGA of Edo State, which will be commissioned on 31 October 2026.
These initiatives aim to improve healthcare, access to potable water, education, community infrastructure and public welfare.
In Operation DELTA SAFE, the Civil-Military Cooperation team facilitated two mediation meetings on 16 October 2026 involving Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Edegbene and Ogriagbene communities.
Furthermore, on 25 October 2026, a stakeholders’ peace and reconciliation meeting was held to address tensions between Okpoama and Diema communities in Brass LGA.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) continued to strengthen civilian protection and community welfare through stakeholder engagement, policy development and Special Intervention Projects.
It hosted Amnesty International Nigeria to discuss civilian harm mitigation during air operations, accountability, transparency and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights standards, with both parties agreeing to sustain dialogue.
It also revised the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, initially introduced in May 2025, to strengthen civilian protection during military operations.
Meanwhile, the NAF Policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse reached its final stage pending official approval, reinforcing the Service’s zero-tolerance stance and commitment to accountability.
In October 2026, NAF Special Intervention Projects included the commissioning of a primary healthcare clinic at Latiko Village, Lavun LGA of Niger State, on 12 October 2026, a primary healthcare centre and industrial borehole at Gadabuke Development Area, Toto LGA of Nasarawa State, on 15 October, a modern Computer-Based Test laboratory at Government Science Secondary School, Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, on 14 October 2026, and 25 solar streetlights and a functional borehole at Igbore Community, Abeokuta South LGA of Ogun State, on 24 October 2026.
These projects underscore the Armed Forces’ commitment to non-kinetic operations, improved civilian welfare, stronger civil-military relations and sustainable peace in host communities.
CONCLUSION
The AFN operations conducted in October 2026 indicate that the adversary is under pressure from multiple fronts.
In the North East geopolitical zone, mounting surrenders, disrupted supply routes and decisive counter-attacks have steadily eroded terrorist cohesion.
In the North West and North Central geopolitical zones, rescue of civilians, raids on terrorist and the arrest of kingpins, gunrunners and collaborators have significantly restricted the terrorist and criminals from perpetrating heinous crimes against innocent civilians.
In the South-South and South East geopolitical zones, troops have curbed oil theft as well as disrupted kidnapping and secessionist networks.
Meanwhile, the Air Component has provided precise and timely support throughout while the Navy has focused on disrupting illegal refining activities and supporting other security operations.
Throughout the month, over 217 terrorists and criminals were neutralized, with 333 terrorist/criminals arrested and 349 kidnap victims rescued.
Additionally, 70 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 105 arms and 3174 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft have continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs, yielding the recovery of 756,837 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 49 illegal refining sites.
During the period under review, the AFN recorded a total of 98 attacks across various theatres of operation.
Operation HADIN KAI recorded 27 attacks, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded 24, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded 29, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded 12, Operation UDO KA (OPUK) recorded 4, while Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded 1 attack each.
Troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical maneuver, and successfully repelled the attacks.
The month, however, was not without some sad events. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, AFM, on behalf of the AFN, extends heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Taraba especially the families of the civilians who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in Binari, Karim Lamido LGA on 23 October 2026.
The CDS prays for the souls of the departed and assures the nation that no effort will be spared to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The CDS further affirms that the loss of all innocent lives will only strengthen the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect lives and property.
The Chief of Defence Staff commends the resilience of troops across all theatres of operation during the month, and urges them to remain disciplined, to always uphold the rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
He urged them to guard against complacency, particularly with the approach of the festive season. The CDS appreciates other security agencies for their collaboration and calls on them to deepen intelligence sharing and joint planning.
He appreciates the media for their reportage, urging continued accuracy and verification, particularly on sensitive communal matters, so that no report inflames tension or compromises ongoing operations.
He appeals to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and all stakeholders to report threats promptly, reject mob action and refuse safe havens to criminals.
The CDS further warns that terrorist collaborators, informants, logistics suppliers, recruiters and gunrunners will not be spared, once arrested.
The general public is also encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193.
He assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
The AFN remains resolute to deter terrorist and criminal elements freedom of action in order to ensure peace and security across the nation.
