By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant operational successes across all theatres between April 3 and 9, 2026, including neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and dismantling criminal networks.
In a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said coordinated operations across the country disrupted terrorist logistics and curtailed criminal activities.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI foiled terrorist incursions and sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba, and Gombe states.
The statement noted that troops repelled an attempted advance on Dikwa and disrupted terrorist movement using mortar and artillery fire, forcing them to withdraw.
It also disclosed that troops engaged terrorist logistics elements in Gwoza, neutralising one insurgent and recovering ammunition casings and other materials.
The DHQ confirmed the Benisheikh attack, stating, “In the course of an intense engagement against terrorist elements, two officers and two soldiers were killed in action, making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its citizens.”
It added that among those involved was the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, whose leadership under fire reflected “the highest ideals and traditions of the Nigerian military.”
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, arresting suspects, recovering arms, and rescuing abducted victims.
The report highlighted the rescue of 31 hostages from an attack on an ECWA Church in Kaduna State and 18 kidnapped victims, including two infants, in Sokoto State.
Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in the North-Central neutralised several terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons in Plateau, Benue, and Kogi states.
The DHQ said, “A total of 21 kidnapped victims were rescued, several terrorist motorcycles were destroyed, and items recovered included one G3 rifle, four magazines, three generating sets, and one solar panel.”
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA targeted IPOB/ESN elements, recovering improvised explosive devices and neutralising criminal elements, while in the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft and anti-kidnapping operations.
The military also reported the recovery of N4.59 million ransom and rescue of kidnapped victims in Delta State.
Mourning the fallen personnel, the DHQ stated, “The AFN mourns deeply with the families, loved ones, and colleagues of these fallen heroes. Their courage will forever be etched in the history of the AFN.”
It assured Nigerians that ongoing operations would continue with renewed determination.
“Nigerians are further assured that the loss of these heroes will not diminish but rather fortify the resolve of the Armed Forces,” the statement added.