By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded major operational successes across various theatres of operation, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting terrorist collaborators, recovering arms and ammunition, and disrupting illegal oil-bunkering activities.
According to Major General Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, who presented the military’s operational update for the period covering June 12 to 18, 2026, troops sustained offensive operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and economic saboteurs nationwide.
Onoja said in the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued several civilians from terrorist captivity in Borno State. According to him, troops operating along the Damasak-Gubio route rescued civilians abandoned by fleeing terrorists, while another operation in Bama Local Government Area thwarted the kidnapping of farmers and safely returned them to their communities.
He stressed that the military also recorded significant breakthroughs against terrorist support networks. Several suspected collaborators, including Abubakar Usman, alias Buba, and Modu Auta, were arrested in separate operations in Gwoza and Kukawa local government areas.
Onoja disclosed that in the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma intensified operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Kaduna states. Several terrorists were neutralised during fighting patrols, while weapons, motorcycles and other combat equipment were recovered.
According to him, the operations also led to the rescue of kidnapped victims in Zamfara and Kaduna states. Troops intercepted seven victims who escaped captivity in Bagega Forest following sustained air interdiction operations and rescued additional abductees during separate engagements with bandits.
He noted that in the North-Central region, troops of Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke recorded notable successes against terrorist and kidnapping networks.
According to him, troops arrested the wife of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Hafsatu Alh Bello, in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State. During preliminary interrogation, she reportedly provided useful intelligence regarding terrorist activities.
He added that troops also arrested several suspected terrorists in Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Kaduna states, recovering weapons, ammunition and intelligence materials.
He revealed that in Kogi State, troops rescued five victims who had been released by fleeing terrorists after a successful military air strike on the camp of a notorious terrorist leader.
According to him, operations in the South-South region equally yielded results as troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
Onoja disclosed that troops intercepted a truck conveying about 45,000 litres of illegally acquired petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State and seized approximately 20,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil during a joint operation with Tantita Security in Rivers State.
According to him, several suspected kidnappers were also arrested in Edo State following intelligence-led operations in Ekpoma and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas.
Similarly, the DDMO revealed that troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained pressure on criminal elements in the South-East. He noted that security forces arrested suspected members and logistics suppliers linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia and Imo states.
He added that one of the suspects, identified as Chima Ejiofor Emmanuel, also known as “Moroco”, was arrested in a hospital in Okigwe while receiving medical treatment.
Providing further details, Major General Onoja said the Nigerian Air Force also provided aerial security support to the Abuja-Kaduna train service after the train developed a technical fault during a journey on June 12.
The military further disclosed that troops continued civil-military cooperation activities, including the distribution of 40 bags of fertiliser to farmers in Jigawa State as part of efforts to strengthen relations with local communities and support agricultural productivity.
According to Major General Onoja, the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting citizens, defeating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace across the country.
He quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as commending troops and other security agencies for their professionalism and cooperation.
The Defence Headquarters reassured Nigerians that military operations would continue until all threats to national security are effectively neutralised.
Military Rescues Victims, Arrests Terrorist Collaborators, Recovers Arms Nationwide – DHQ
