By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified nationwide counter-terrorism and internal security operations, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting criminal collaborators and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition across various theatres of operation.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops conducted coordinated offensive operations between July 17 and 23, 2026, targeting terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements while ensuring the security of strategic highways, rail corridors and critical national infrastructure.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded significant successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno, Yobe and Bauchi states.
Onoja disclosed that troops on July 12 neutralised Abu Salim Al-Barnawi, a senior terrorist commander and propaganda chief, during a failed attack on Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, describing the operation as a major blow to the insurgents’ leadership and information network.
He added that Nigerian Army Aviation also carried out precision airstrikes on terrorist positions in Yaganari, Bama Local Government Area, killing scores of terrorists, while troops foiled an attempted terrorist infiltration of the University of Maiduguri on July 17, killing two insurgents.
The military also destroyed a terrorist hideout in Gubio Local Government Area and eliminated another fleeing terrorist in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
On rescue operations, Onoja said troops freed a mother and her two children alongside two young girls in separate operations at Amuda Bridge in Gwoza Local Government Area, adding that one group had been held captive since August 2025.
He disclosed that troops arrested several suspected ISWAP members, logistics suppliers, collaborators, a foreign fighter from Sudan, an illegal immigrant from Ghana, a female terrorist collaborator, a terrorist kingpin involved in illegal mining and 12 suspected kidnappers in Bauchi State.
He also confirmed the arrest of five suspected kidnappers in Jegalari village, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State, where troops recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and other weapons.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested terrorist collaborators in Kaduna State, repelled attacks in Zamfara and rescued 11 kidnapped passengers after responding to a distress call along the Gummi-Sokoto Road.
The military also arrested a suspected terrorist financier and ransom collector, identified as Abubakar Tanimu, in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In Kwara State, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised four suspected kidnappers, arrested two others and rescued a kidnap victim during a joint operation with local vigilantes and forest guards in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State recovered weapons from criminal hideouts and repelled attacks by armed militias in Riyom Local Government Area after a fierce two-hour gun battle.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded multiple successes across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states, rescuing kidnap victims, neutralising terrorists, dismantling criminal camps and arresting suspected terrorists, logistics suppliers and informants.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE sustained its offensive against crude oil theft by dismantling illegal refining sites, uncovering illegal bunkering camps, recovering thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and arresting suspected oil thieves and kidnappers in Rivers and Edo states.
Troops also intercepted six vehicles conveying products suspected to be stolen crude oil around the Eleme Refinery and arrested five suspects.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA, working with the Nigeria Police Force, arrested three suspected IPOB/ESN members in Enugu State.
The military also raided a criminal hideout at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering one Lee-Enfield MK I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Onoja said the hideout was believed to have been used for kidnapping and attacks against security personnel.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining offensive operations until terrorists, kidnappers, militias and other criminal elements are defeated.
The Defence spokesman also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations across the country.
Troops intensify onslaught against terrorists, kill scores, rescue kidnap victims, arrest collaborators nationwide
