By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified nationwide offensives against terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and separatist elements, recording major operational breakthroughs across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East theatres.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed the development during a press briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, covering military operations conducted between May 8 and 14, 2026.
According to the military, troops neutralised several terrorists, rescued scores of kidnapped victims, arrested collaborators and recovered arms, ammunition and stolen petroleum products during coordinated land and air operations.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intercepted a terrorist logistics convoy crossing into Nigeria from Cameroon along the Banki-Kumshe Road in Borno State.
Recovered items included bicycles, fuel, medications, motorcycle parts, phone batteries and food supplies.
The military further disclosed that troops repelled a coordinated multi-wave terrorist attack on Buni Gari in Yobe State, killing five terrorists, including a foreign fighter.
Recovered from the insurgents were a General Purpose Machine Gun, AK-47 rifle, RPG tube, bombs, over 2,000 rounds of ammunition and cash.
“Regrettably, three soldiers paid the supreme price in the encounter,” the Defence Headquarters stated.
Troops also rescued 12 abducted women and children from Ngoshe community in Borno State following sustained operations around the Mandara Mountains and the Amuda-Gava corridor.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 32 kidnapped victims, including women and children, during operations in Katsina State.
The military said terrorists were neutralised during the operation while weapons, motorcycles and explosives were recovered.
Further offensives in Kaduna, Zamfara and Sokoto states resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators and the disruption of planned attacks on border infrastructure.
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed that troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted rescue and interdiction operations across Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi and the FCT.
The operations led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, gunrunning kingpins and terrorist collaborators.
Notably, troops rescued ASP Usman Ogbobi of PMF 44 Force Headquarters Abuja and another victim after they escaped from kidnappers in Benue State.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, recovering stolen crude oil and petroleum products in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
The military disclosed that troops uncovered galvanised pipes valued at about N600m suspected to be linked to crude oil theft operations.
Operations in Edo State also led to the rescue of a kidnap victim and arrest of suspected criminal collaborators.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensives against IPOB/ESN elements in Abia and Anambra states, arresting suspects and recovering firearms.
The military disclosed that troops arrested one suspected kidnapper linked to the abduction of Mr Onyebuchi Nwaoha in Abia State after the suspect was struck by a vehicle while attempting to flee across the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.
Recovered from the suspect were N830,000 and a mobile phone.
The Defence Headquarters also highlighted ongoing humanitarian and non-kinetic operations by the military, including a medical outreach programme in Maiduguri and the donation of 400 bags of fertiliser to farming communities in Zamfara State.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry, discipline and professionalism.
“The AFN will not waver nor relent in its determination to defeat terrorism, separatist violence, pipeline vandalism, and every form of criminality threatening the peace, unity, and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the military stated.
Terrorists Crushed, 44 Kidnap Victims Rescued as Armed Forces of Nigeria Intensify Nationwide Offensive
