By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified ongoing military operations across the country, recording significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, oil thieves and other criminal elements between May 15 and 21, 2026.
In a statement made available to Journalists, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops sustained coordinated land, air and maritime offensives across all operational theatres.
According to him, troops dismantled insurgent camps, intercepted logistics supply routes, recovered weapons and rescued numerous kidnapped victims.
He stated that under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, troops neutralised terrorists during clearance operations in Gwoza LGA of Borno State and arrested suspected collaborators involved in insurgent logistics.
He also confirmed the surrender of several terrorists and family members due to sustained operational pressure.
According to him, in the North-West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops neutralised terrorists in Kaduna and Zamfara states while arresting a suspected gunrunner linked to notorious bandit kingpins including Bello Turji.
The military disclosed that troops also recovered weapons, ammunition and motorcycles during several engagements.
According to the statement, in the North-Central, troops of Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE carried out intelligence-led operations leading to the arrest of suspected informants, kidnappers, gunrunners and collaborators in Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi states.
Troops also rescued kidnapped victims and intercepted suspected ransom cash during the operations.
The military further revealed that troops foiled attempts by armed militia groups to disrupt APC primary elections in Benue State.
In the South-South under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops intensified anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations in Edo, Delta, Cross River and Rivers states.
Several kidnappers were arrested during forest clearance operations in Edo State, while illegal oil refining sites were dismantled in Delta State.
Troops also intercepted vehicles conveying stolen Premium Motor Spirit around the Eleme Petrochemical Company Limited in Rivers State.
Under Operation UDO KA in the South-East, troops arrested illegal miners in Ebonyi State and recovered weapons and other items.
Major General Onoja stated that troops exercised restraint and professionalism after youths attacked a military convoy transporting arrested suspects.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their bravery, resilience and tactical precision across all operational theatres.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to defending constitutional democracy and safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
Military Intensifies Nationwide Offensive, Neutralises Terrorists, Arrests Gunrunners
