Troops Sustain Kinetic Strikes Across Geopolitical Zones, Against Criminal Formations, Terrorists, Others in April 2026

…Rescue scores of kidnapped victims, restore peace to Communities, amongst others

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has outlined details of the Armed Forces of Nigeria operations in the month of April, 2026.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations while explaining details of the troops operations in April 2026, on Friday, in Abuja, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) continued to conduct relentless, coordinated operations across all seven active theatres in the month of April 2026.

In a nutshell, across every geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, troops of the AFN executed precision kinetic strikes against insurgent and criminal formations, dismantled terrorist enclaves and logistical networks, and rescued scores of abducted civilians, restoring safety to communities that had endured the menace of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed violence.

According to General Onoja, these operations were prosecuted in seamless collaboration with other agencies and community stakeholders whose partnership has been invaluable to the AFN’s operational successes.

He disclosed that the period recorded some of the most decisive battlefield outcomes over the last 3 months, with numerous insurgents neutralised, multiple enclaves stormed and destroyed, and a substantial number of abducted citizens reunited with their families.

Now a look at the various operations theaters:

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI

Operation HADIN KAI continued with unrelenting kinetic campaign against Boko Haram (BH), the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jamā’at Ahlis Sunnah Liddda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) elements across Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States, significantly curtailing terrorists’ freedom of movement through coordinated ambushes, fighting patrols, and both air and artillery fire.

During the month, troops neutralized 136 terrorists fighters, arrested 114 suspects, rescued 18 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 9 insurgents and their families.

Significantly, on 1 April 2026, eight terrorists were neutralised in a coordinated ambush at the Gadangari axis, Bama LGA of Borno State, with no casualties recorded on the troops’ side. Clearance operations at the Dajin Madam and Kumbodoro Forests dismantled multiple terrorist camps and led to the capture of a deputy ring leader and his wife.

On 22 April 2026, nine captives including women and children who had escaped from terrorist captivity in the Mandara Mountains were rescued by troops, who subsequently repelled a determined enemy counterattack launched to recapture them.

In the most decisive engagement of the period, troops at Kukareta in Damaturu LGA, Yobe State, forewarned by actionable intelligence, repelled a massive coordinated assault on 23 April 2026, neutralized 21 terrorists and recovered 12 AK-47 rifles, one GPMG, one PKT machine gun, one RPG tube, one 60mm mortar, and 143 rounds of ammunition.

Operations continued with sustained intensity into the final days of April. A follow-up exploitation along the terrorists' withdrawal route at Kukareta on 24 April 2026 uncovered two additional corpses of insurgents neutralised during the earlier engagement, along with five AK-47 magazines and a camel bag water bottle/container.

On 25 April 2026, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 rifle during an ambush at Kaffin Hausa in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.

In the early hours of 26 April 2026, a night ambush at a terrorist crossing point in Gujba LGA of Yobe State based on credible intelligence from tracking insurgent movements resulted in the neutralization of two additional terrorists and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and one hand grenade.

Also on 26 April 2026, troops deployed in Buratai LGA of Borno State sighted terrorists on camera trying to infiltrate the defensive location, troops engaged the terrorists and neutralized them.

On 28 April 2026, troops rescued an abducted woman in Gwoza LGA, Borno State, who escaped captivity in the Mandara Mountains following artillery bombardments, while separate clearance operations by troops in Gaidam neutralized five terrorists and recovered weapons, as an airstrike on a terrorist base in Guduf further destroyed structures and eliminated about 20 insurgents.

On 29 April 2026, troops conducted coordinated ground and air offensives in the Timbuktu axis and Bulabulin Forest, neutralized eighteen terrorists, destroying their enclaves, and recovered 14 weapons, ammunition, and IED materials.

The operations, supported by the Air Component, involved clearance of multiple terrorist locations, with additional engagements along the Wajiroko–Sabongari corridor yielding further enemy casualties and equipment recovery.

Follow-up operations are ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping. The cumulative neutralisation of terrorists across OPHK during this period represents a significant degradation of insurgent operational capacity in the North East theatre.

On 29 April 2026, troops at FOB Mayanti conducted an ambush n Dikwa LGA of Borno State, when troops made contact with suspected terrorists’ logistic suppliers.

Five terrorists were neutralized and 2 bicycles, 2 fabric mats and some food items were recovered.

No casualty was recorded on town troops. Same date, troops conducted clearance operations at Bulabilin Forest in Geidam LGA of Yobe State.

Troops made contact with terrorists at Malam Shiri village and neutralised 6 terrorists, while 5 AK-47 rifles, one PKT, one grenade, 5 extra mags, 2 MCs, one Baofeng radio, 463 rounds of 7.62 x 54 mm belted, 110 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm (Special), 3 bandoliers, sum of N40,000.00 and items for Improvised Explosive Ordinances (IED) fabrication were recovered.

However, 2 soldiers were wounded in Action, while 4 MRAP tyres were damaged.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA

Operation FANSAN YAMMA delivered devastating and precise strikes against terrorist elements across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States throughout the period, systematically dismantling criminal networks and protecting communities from violent attacks.

During the month, troops neutralized 20 terrorists fighters, arrested 32 suspects, rescued 70 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of one insurgents.

On 31 March 2026, coordinated fighting patrols across communities in Kebbi and Zamfara States neutralised multiple insurgents and demolished a notorious terrorist kingpin’s hideout.

On 5 April 2026, troops rescued 31 worshippers abducted from an ECWA Church at Ariko Village in Kachia LGA, Kaduna State, a landmark demonstration of the AFN’s resolve that no place of worship shall be surrendered to terrorist.

On 8 April 2026, 18 locals including two infants abducted at Gidan Madi Village in Wurno LGA of Sokoto State were rescued after troops ambushed and routed their captors.

On 20 April 2026, a terrorist camp at Munhaye Town was destroyed following a coordinated artillery bombardment and cordon-and-search operation.

Kinetic pressure was sustained and escalated through the final week of April.On 21 April 2026, troops in Kushere Village, Chikun LGA of Kaduna State aggressively pursued kidnappers and rescued three victims; troops in Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State simultaneously engaged and dispersed a terrorist group and recovered one AK-47 rifle.

On 27 April 2026, troops conducted a fighting patrol to Dan Gajeru and Kokomba Villages in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State neutralized one terrorist and dismantled several terrorist camps during the operation.

Similarly, on 27 April 2026, troops intercepted and arrested a suspect transporting suspected IED components intended for delivery in Abuja, and the individual is now in custody for further investigation.

The cumulative effect of sustained operational tempo has continued to degrade the organizational cohesion and territorial reach of criminal and terrorist networks across the North West zone.

On 29 April 26, troops conducted patrols to Wonaka, Ajja and Gidan Mai Aiki villages in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State.

They made contact with terrorists at Ajja village, and neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 Rifles, one locally fabricated handgun, 5 magazines and 280 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo.

Additionally, troops discovered several terrorists’make-shift camps which were destroyed. Same date, troops at Danjibga in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, came under sporadic fire from suspected terrorists.

No casualties were recorded on troops. The situation is currently under control while normalcy has been restored in the gen area.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD

Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD intensified counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across Kwara and Niger States, extending operational reach into forested corridors and border communities long exploited by criminal elements.

During the month, troops neutralized 21 terrorists fighters, arrested 17 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped victims.

Significantly, on 14 April 2026, a blocking force in Borgu LGA of Niger State made decisive contact with terrorists, crushed them in a coordinated engagement, and during the subsequent withdrawal countered a follow-on enemy ambush, capturing nine motorcycles and two suspects with no troop casualties.

Clearance operations on 16 April 2026 at Kongore, Tungan Balki, and Daban Woko Villages in Borgu LGA of Niger State dismantled further terrorist camps and yielded IED materials.

On 16 April 2026, troops at Idera Community in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State in conjunction with Forest Guards and vigilantes engaged kidnappers at Iru Forest and rescued three abducted victims.

Clearance operations intensified from 24 April 2026, troops advanced to Tungan Mariga in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State, discovered and destroyed suspected bandits’ makeshift camps at Nuku Village, and recovered six Dane guns from abandoned settlement positions.

A follow-on clearance operation by troops on 26 April 2026 in Patigi LGA of Kwara State made contact with terrorist logistics suppliers, who sustained gunshot wounds, with three motorcycles and assorted supplies recovered.

On 28 April 2026, suspected terrorists attacked Wamba community in Mariga LGA of Niger State. The assault was met with a swift and determined response by troops and local vigilante group, which successfully repelled the attack, neutralized 20 terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

On same date, troops in Ekiti LGA, Kwara State responded to a kidnap incident along the Eruku–Egbe road, rescued one victim, recovered two suspected bandits’ motorcycles, and are continuing efforts to locate the second victim.

The incident underscores the importance of community participation in security efforts, complementing ongoing military operations.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE

Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded outstanding operational gains across Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna, neutralized terrorists, destroyed enclaves, and liberated kidnapped civilians.

During the month, troops neutralized 18 terrorists fighters, arrested 48 suspects, and rescued 53 kidnapped victims.

Significantly, on 3 April 2026, three terrorists were neutralised in the Kerem area of Wase LGA, Plateau State.

The period’s landmark achievement came on 9 April 2026, when troops neutralised 10 terrorists between Dutsen Zaki and Odare Forest in Wase LGA, and in a near-simultaneous assault on multiple camps including Auta Kachalla’s Camp in the Daji Madam Forest, troops liberated 21 kidnapped victims and destroyed several terrorist enclaves.

On 15 April 2026, four kidnapped victims were freed from their captors after the arrest of a terrorist’s wife led troops to the location of a live telephone hand over operation; two additional victims were simultaneously rescued during a night patrol in Ukum LGA of Benue State.

On 21 April 2026, two terrorists who attacked a checkpoint in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State were neutralized, and a clandestine weapons manufacturing hideout at Gwandanu Village in Langtang North LGA was destroyed which yielded the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, a fabricated G3 rifle, and heavy manufacturing machinery, eliminating an illicit armament production cell that had been supplying criminal elements in the region.

On 24 April 2026, Miss Linda Monday, kidnapped at Hottom Village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, was rescued after troops responded swiftly to the abduction report; her captors fled on sighting troops.

On 25 April 2026, confessional statement from two arrested kidnappers led to the rescue of another victim, one Memuna Saidu, who had been abducted in Shendam LGA of Plateau State, with Eight Million (N8,000,000.00) Naira recovered from the criminals. The full ransom collected was returned to the victim’s family.

On 26 April 2026, troops conducted an offensive at Kwaki in Qua’an Pan LGA and Fogoldep in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State using civilian drone teams in support, making contact with terrorists, forcing their withdrawal, and arrested one suspect.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE

Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted robust operations across Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, prosecuting kinetic engagements and swift rescue responses with commendable speed and resolve.

During the month, troops neutralized 14 terrorists fighters, arrested 40 suspects, and rescued 35 kidnapped victims.

Significantly, on 13 April 2026, an ambush in Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi State resulted in the neutralization of two members of a kidnapping syndicate, positively identified by previous victims and the rescue of two additional abducted persons abandoned during the criminals’ flight.

Troops also rescued three children at Nagazi Farm Centre, Adavi LGA of Kogi State, after their father was killed and the children abducted.

On 16 April 2026, troops responded to the abduction of passengers of a Benue Links bus in Otukpo LGA of Benue State, trailed the kidnappers, and forced them to abandon four victims.

Suspected terrorist camps at Ejiba and Ofi Villages in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State were dismantled during clearance operations on the same date.

Multiple terrorists were also eliminated in Kogi State during engagements at Tunga-Atsawa Road, Lokoja LGA and along the Babangida-Adua Road.

On 19 April 2026, a search and rescue operation at Okete Ward, Ohimini LGA of Benue State yielded the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims, who were evacuated to Otukpo General Hospital for medical attention.

On 25 April 2026, troops recorded major gains in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, troops responded to an attack in Michihe community, engaged the assailants, and rescued two victims.

In a separate raid in Ukum LGA, troops arrested 10 suspects at a terrorist enclave in Kyado. In the most disturbing incident of the period, suspected criminals on 26 April 2026 invaded the Dahallukitab Orphanage at Zariagi Community in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State, abducted 24 children and two matrons.

However, 17 children courageously escaped from the abductors and have been reunited with orphanage staff.

The AFN, in coordination with sister security agencies, has activated an intensive rescue operation for the remaining victims; troops are in active pursuit to secure the safe release of all outstanding captives are underway.

The AFN assures the nation and the families affected that every resource available is being deployed to resolve this incident swiftly and safely.

On 28 April 2026, troops in Torkula, Guma LGA of Benue State responded to an attack on farmers, ensured the victims’ safety, and arrested five suspects who were handed over to the police for further action.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE

Operation DELTA SAFE intensified security operations across the South-South region, dismantling criminal networks, protecting communities, and rescuing abducted civilians with decisive force.

During the month, troops arrested 17 suspects, destroyed 2 illegal refining sites, and recovered 101,443 litres of petroleum products such as crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) combined.

Significantly, on 8 April 2026, troops responded to a kidnap incident in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State, engaged the abductors, neutralized one criminal, and rescued two kidnapped victims which also resulted in recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from the scene.

On 17 April 2026, Mr. Monday Onwe and Mrs. Mercy Onwe abducted while farming at Eko Ibadin Community in Esan North East LGA of Edo State were rescued after their captors fled on sighting troops.

On 21 April 2026, Mr. Jonah Owobu, aged 72, kidnapped in Esan East LGA of Edo State, was successfully rescued and returned to his family unharmed.

A clearance operation on the same date across Ivbiadaobi Village, Erha Forest, and Akeke Forest in Esan West LGA led to the arrest of seven suspected criminals and the dismantling of an active criminal cell terrorizing farming communities in the area.

On 27 April 2026, troops conducted a night ambush behind the Dangote Cement Company facility and discovered and rescued two kidnapped victims who had been abducted from their farmland at Igiriga Obodo, Okpella Community in Etsako East LGA of Edo State.

Both victims were debriefed, given necessary care, and reunited with their families.

The AFN’s is unwaveringly committed to protecting Nigerians in their most vulnerable moments whether in forests, on farms, or in transit and reflects the operational vigilance that OPDS troops maintain at all times.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA

Operation UDO KA sustained targeted campaign against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), delivering sustained blows to their operational, medical, and logistics infrastructure across the South East.

During the month, troops neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 16 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped victims. Significantly, on 29 March 2026, a wanted IPOB/ESN terrorist, Simon Chukwumeoru Akpoke (alias ‘IRON’), was apprehended at his hideout in Ogun State.

On 31 March 2026, two nurses responsible for treating IPOB/ESN wounded fighters were arrested in Anambra State, critically dismantling the terrorist group’s medical support network.

On 6 April 2026, troops destroyed the camp of a terrorist known as ‘Aluta’ in Imo State, neutralized one terrorist and arrested another.

On 14 April 2026, ransom proceeds from a kidnapping in Uzo Uwani LGA of Enugu State were electronically tracked, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of firearms and cash.

On 21 April 2026, a raid in Ebonyi LGA led to the capture of five suspects, including one known as ‘Calamity’, one of the ring leaders of IPOB/ESN operations in Delta State.

A decisive arrest that has significantly disrupted the command capacity of the proscribed group in the South East and South-South regions.

On 27 April 2026, joint troops supported by aircraft stormed an identified IPOB/ESN enclave within Ajali Forest in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State.

Troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee and systematically destroyed all life-support structures within the enclave, including the terrorist shrine and dugout trenches.

Seven victim-operated IEDs and one locally made hand grenade found within the camp were safely recovered and subsequently destroyed.

The destruction of the Ajali Forest enclave which had served as a key staging, logistics, and spiritual coordination hub for IPOB/ESN represents a landmark blow to the group’s operational base in the South East.

On 28 April 2026, troops in Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State foiled a kidnapping attempt, rescued four victims, and recovered an abandoned bus and motorcycle.

Sequel to the arrest of Mr Chinedu Igautu aka Calamity a notorious IPOB/ESN ring leader and 4 others by troops on 21 April 26, troops of OPUK, nabbed another IPOB/ESN kingpin Mr Chisom Agashi Ogadego aka Baron at Onuebonyi area in Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State on 28 April 2026.

During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the dreaded IPOB/ESN group and further admitted to having participated in 2 kidnap operations since the arrival of Calamity to Ebonyi State.

He also confessed to assisting Calamity in movement of 2 AK-47 rifles from Delta State following the attack on Nigeria Police Force in February 2026.

The suspect led troops to his residence where one AK-47 rifle, 3 magazines and 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo were recovered.

The AFN remains committed to the complete dismantlement of IPOB/ESN’s operational infrastructure across every state in which it attempts to operate.

Defence Headquarters Civil-military Cooperation (CIMIC) Activities

The AFN recognizes that lasting peace cannot be achieved through kinetic operations alone and has therefore sustained robust Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities across its theatres of operations.

During the period, peace and security meetings were conducted in Logo, Guma, and Agatu LGAs of Benue State to promote peaceful coexistence and address recurring communal and ethnic tensions.

Similar engagements were held in Takum and Donga LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Toto LGA of Nasarawa State.

In addition, OPEP carried out civil-military relations initiatives in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, including the distribution of fertiliser to representatives of traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Jama’tul Islam, as well as the organisation of a 17-kilometre marathon to foster unity and strengthen community trust, with prizes awarded to top participants.

Also, Op ENDURING PEACE launched a concerted operation in Southern Kaduna to secure the farming season through enhanced security, farmer support, and community collaboration to prevent conflict and ensure food production.

The weight of operational outcomes recorded by OPEP troops reflects a sustained dedicated campaign to ensure food security.

The Chief of Defence Staff has directed all Theatre Commanders to fully integrate CIMIC into operational activities, ensuring professionalism, facilitating the resettlement of displaced communities in order to reinforce public confidence in military operations.

The AFN reaffirms that community cooperation remains a vital pillar of national security and will continue to expand CIMIC initiatives as part of efforts to build inclusive and sustainable peace across the country.

In conclusion, Major General Onoja noted that the consolidated operational outcomes recorded across all seven theatres in the month of April 2026 present an unambiguous account of an Armed Force fully committed to its constitutional mandate and fully accountable to the Nigerian people.

He revealed that during this period, the AFN neutralised 201 number of terrorists across multiple engagements; rescued 188 of abducted civilians including women, children, the elderly, orphans, farmers, and worshippers and restored them to their families; stormed and destroyed numerous terrorist camps, criminal enclaves, IED-laden hideouts, and illicit armament production facilities; and arrested 284 key ring leaders, logisticians, and collaborators who had hitherto operated with impunity.

These outcomes according to him, are not abstract achievements, noting that behind every rescued victim is a family made whole, and behind every destroyed enclave is a community reclaimed.

Finally, he said that the AFN holds itself fully accountable for every operation conducted, ensuring strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement, the Laws of Armed Conflict, the Rome Statutes and all applicable provisions of International Humanitarian Law.

Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede commends the courage and sacrifice of all troops across every theatre, and charges them to maintain operational momentum with vigilance, discipline, and compassion for the civilians they serve.

The AFN pauses with solemn reverence to honour those gallant officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation during this period.

Recall that on 9 April 2026, in an engagement against terrorist elements at Benisheikh, Kaga LGA of Borno State, two officers and two soldiers were killed in action, among them the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah whose conspicuous bravery, personal leadership under fire, and unwavering commitment to his troops embody the highest ideals of military service and the finest traditions of the AFN.

The AFN also recognizes the unwavering sacrifices of Colonel IA Mohammed and his troops in Monguno who paid the supreme price in the North East.

These extraordinary Nigerians stood between danger and the rest of the nation and they did not flinch.

The Chief of Defence Staff and the entire AFN extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, comrades, and loved ones of all fallen heroes.

The AFN assures their families that their loved ones did not die in vain. Their memory shall fortify the resolve of every soldier, sailor, and airman who carries the nation’s flag forward and their sacrifice shall be honoured through the continued pursuit of the peace and security they gave their lives to protect.

The nation owes them a debt that can never be fully repaid, but which the AFN pledges to honour through the enduring quality and professionalism of its service.

The CDS assures every Nigerian that all communities are considered important to the AFN protection, and no criminal or terrorist organisation, regardless of its financial resources, geographic spread, or ideological ambition is beyond the AFN.

The Nigerian public is urged to continue partnering with the AFN by providing timely and credible intelligence through available reporting channels; the media is called upon to sustain responsible, factual, and patriotic reporting that supports national security objectives and counters terrorist propaganda. Nigeria’s peace is a shared responsibility and the AFN shall honour that responsibility with every resource, every soldier, and every ounce of national resolve at its disposal.