By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified ongoing nationwide military operations, resulting in the arrest of 35 terror suspects and criminal collaborators, the rescue of 11 kidnapped and escaped victims, the neutralisation of five terrorists, and the surrender of four terrorist elements within one week.
The military disclosed the achievements during a briefing on operations conducted across various theatres between May 28 and June 4, 2026.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the successes demonstrated the combat effectiveness and high operational readiness of troops deployed across the country.
“During the period under review, troops arrested 35 terrorists, kidnappers, informants and other criminal elements, rescued 11 victims, neutralised five terrorists and recorded the surrender of four terrorist elements due to sustained military pressure,” he said.
According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai operating in the North-East recorded several arrests involving terrorist collaborators, informants and suspected kidnappers across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Bauchi states.
Among those arrested was a suspected kidnapper in Biu, Borno State, who confessed to receiving two AK-47 rifles from terrorists previously neutralised by troops and using the weapons for kidnapping and cattle rustling operations. Troops also apprehended several terrorist informants and collaborators during intelligence-led operations.
The military further recorded the surrender of four terrorist-linked individuals from the Mandara Mountains area of Borno State, while two escapees from a terrorist enclave in Gwoza were rescued and reunited with their families.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised three terrorists during separate encounters in Katsina and Zamfara states. The operations also led to the destruction of terrorist camps and the arrest of a notorious terrorist kingpin who had been hiding among traders at Shinkafi market.
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield in Niger State repelled a terrorist ambush during a fighting patrol in Borgu Local Government Area, killing scores of terrorists and recovering 15 motorcycles as well as large quantities of ammunition. The operation also led to the arrest of a notorious terrorist informant.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace successfully rescued five kidnapped passengers abandoned by their abductors after security forces launched a swift search-and-rescue mission around Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area.
Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recorded successes across Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states. One terrorist was neutralised in Kogi State, suspected gunrunners and kidnappers were arrested, while two escaped kidnap victims regained freedom following coordinated operations with other security agencies.
The South-South theatre also witnessed major breakthroughs. Troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested seven suspected kidnappers in Edo State and disrupted planned abduction operations targeting prominent residents. Security forces also recovered locally fabricated firearms and motorcycles during raids in Delta State.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested suspected members of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. Security personnel also rescued traditional leaders held hostage in Ebonyi State and arrested three suspects linked to the incident.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain steadfast in their constitutional responsibility. The arrest of 38 suspects, rescue of 11 citizens, neutralisation of five terrorists and surrender of four terrorist elements clearly demonstrate that ongoing operations are degrading criminal networks nationwide,” he stated.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that military operations would continue until all threats to national security are eliminated.
35 Terror Suspects Arrested, 11 Victims Rescued, 5 Terrorists Killed As Troops Sustain Nationwide Offensive
