From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that between 18 and 25 June 2026, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralised several terrorists, arrested suspected criminals, and rescued 68 kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation nationwide.
The troops also recovered over 148,500 litres of illegally refined and adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), arms, ammunition, and other items, while several terrorist fighters voluntarily surrendered to the military.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, the DHQ said the Armed Forces continued to record significant operational successes in counter-terrorism, counter-banditry, counter-kidnapping, anti-economic sabotage, and anti-proliferation operations across the country during the period.
According to him, the achievements reflect the military’s commitment to restoring peace, stability, and public confidence across all geopolitical zones.
Highlighting operations in the North-East, Onoja said troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major successes in degrading terrorist capabilities in the Lake Chad Basin and Borno State.
He disclosed that on 19 June 2026, two teenage girls believed to be family members of terrorists surrendered to troops at Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, explaining that sustained military pressure and the denial of basic necessities in terrorist camps had made continued resistance impossible.
On the same day, troops on routine patrol in Ngoshe rescued two women and three children who had been abducted during a terrorist attack on the community in March 2026 and reunited them with the community leadership.
He added that on 21 June, troops on a fighting patrol in the Jemu area of Kukawa LGA recovered and safely evacuated 27 surrendered terrorists and their family members, comprising 12 adults and 15 children, who were later airlifted to Maiduguri for medical attention and processing.
Also on the same day, troops rescued eight additional escapees, including a male toddler and the widow of a Civilian Joint Task Force member killed during the March 2026 terrorist attack.
Onoja further stated that between 18 and 25 June, troops repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on multiple locations in Buratai District, Biu LGA, recovered an AK-47 rifle and over 200 rounds of ammunition, rescued 53 civilians and eight hijacked vehicles along the Buratai-Kamuya Road, and neutralised two suspected terrorist spies at Banki in Bama LGA.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded several successes between 19 and 23 June.
On 20 June, troops arrested four suspected terrorists in Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara State and foiled a planned attack on Gamdanda village in Gummi LGA by ambushing the terrorists.
The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, eight motorcycles, a desert camouflage hat, and food supplies.
On 21 June, troops raided a terrorist hideout in Dambatta LGA of Kano State, arresting a suspected terrorist and recovering two locally fabricated firearms, a Dane gun, four live cartridges, and identity documents.
In the South-West, troops under Operation Savannah Shield achieved a major breakthrough in Ogun State.
Following a kidnapping incident at Ogbe village in Obafemi Owode LGA on 24 June, troops launched a clearance operation, engaged the kidnappers in their forest hideout, neutralised two of them, and recovered a single-barrel gun, cartridges, mobile phones, and N2.2 million in cash.
The remaining suspects fled with gunshot wounds and are being pursued.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace also recorded a significant intelligence-led success on 21 June, arresting a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint in Gwagwalada Area Council after he attempted to bribe troops to avoid a search.
A forensic examination of his mobile phones revealed photographs linking him to terrorist activities.
Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke intercepted a vehicle transporting illegal weapons along the Sokoto-Kano highway on 21 June.
Although the courier escaped, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two Beretta pistols with ammunition, two Baofeng radios, and three camouflage jackets.
In a related operation on 22 June, security personnel arrested a suspect along the Toto-Abaji Road in Nasarawa State with 174 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, while investigations into the arms trafficking network continue.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against oil theft, kidnapping, and illegal arms trafficking.
On 19 June, personnel of NNS Pathfinder intercepted a wooden boat carrying approximately 103,500 litres of illegally refined AGO at APS Limited Jetty in Woji, Rivers State.
On 22 June, personnel of NNS Soroh intercepted a vehicle and uncovered hidden storage sites containing 63,290 litres of illegally refined AGO in Abua/Odual LGA of Rivers State.
The same day, troops intercepted a truck transporting 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated AGO along the Itu-Calabar Road in Akwa Ibom State.
Also on 22 June, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers in Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State after they were identified by one of their victims. Recovered items included syringes and drug tablets allegedly used to incapacitate kidnapped victims.
On 23 June, troops rescued two kidnapped victims from a forest hideout in Ovia North-East LGA of Edo State after the kidnappers fled on sighting the advancing troops.
A joint operation on 25 June at Balep Community in Ikom LGA of Cross River State led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of two Dane guns, a locally made pistol, six cartridges, a camouflage jacket, and other military equipment.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA continued operations against criminal and separatist elements.
On 18 June, troops, alongside local vigilantes, cleared criminal camps along the Imo-Rivers boundary.
A suspected logistics courier was arrested but was neutralised after attempting to escape while leading troops to a criminal camp.
On 23 June, troops engaged suspected IPOB/ESN members dressed in military and police uniforms along the Ogboji-Ajali Road in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.
Three terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered a PKM machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a Toyota Sienna vehicle, ten Android phones, Nigeria Police uniforms, and other items.
The DDMO also disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force conducted successful air interdiction missions in Kaduna State.
On 19 June, air strikes targeted terrorists in the Kidandan area of Yadi Forest, Giwa LGA, destroying their logistics base after tracking them to their hideout.
A similar operation on 22 June neutralised four terrorists on motorcycles, while others fled.
Major General Onoja said the operational successes recorded across all theatres demonstrate the professionalism, courage, and resilience of troops.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain offensive operations against all threats to national security while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, local communities, traditional institutions, and strategic partners.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended the gallantry and discipline displayed by troops and appreciated the support of civilian communities, the Civilian Joint Task Force, local vigilantes, and other security agencies whose intelligence and cooperation contributed significantly to the successes.
According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff reaffirmed the military’s determination to intensify operations until all theatres are stabilised, displaced persons safely return to their communities, and Nigerians can live in peace, safety, and dignity.
