From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded several successes in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the country between August 31 and September 3, 2026.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the operations reflected the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect lives and property while safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation.
Highlighting some of the major successes recorded during the period, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained counter-terrorism operations across Borno and Yobe states.
During the operations, troops encountered a command-detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Miyanti–Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. One terrorist was neutralised, while a rifle, ammunition, and an IED initiator were recovered.
He said troops also ambushed and neutralised a terrorist at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba LGA of Yobe State, recovering a rifle and ammunition.
Troops further intercepted an escapee who had fled terrorist captivity due to hunger and hardship around Sabsawa in Bama LGA.
They also arrested a suspect in Konduga LGA of Borno State while conveying foodstuffs allegedly destined for a terrorist enclave in Bama LGA.
Similarly, troops arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter who had reportedly become an informant at Damasak in Mobbar LGA of Borno State.
Major General Onoja said several terrorist fighters surrendered to troops between September 1 and 2, while suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, informants, and spies were arrested across the theatre following sustained offensive pressure.
On September 2, he said 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa LGA of Borno State, citing ongoing clashes between rival terrorist factions within the Yaganari enclave.
On the same day, troops intercepted another escapee who had fled terrorist captivity due to hunger and hardship near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
Additionally, on September 3, troops arrested a suspected terrorist spy loitering along the Kauwa–Kukawa Road in Kukawa LGA of Borno State.
Onoja confirmed that all surrendered persons and rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
North West
In the North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops sustained offensive operations against terrorists across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, recording significant successes against terrorist kingpins and logistics networks.
According to him, on August 31, troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts at Kogo Village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State, neutralising two terrorist kingpins. One terrorist escaped with gunshot wounds, while two motorcycles were destroyed.
On September 2, troops at Kadage Village in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State intercepted a vehicle and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain. The fleeing suspect was neutralised during the encounter.
On the same day, troops ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi–Zurmi axis in Zamfara State.
A rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle, ammunition, and other items were recovered, while several terrorists were neutralised during the engagement.
Also on September 2, troops responding to a distress call rescued six abducted victims transiting from Ayu Market at Mehinua Village in Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.
On September 3, troops rescued 23 abducted civilians, comprising three men and 20 women, on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka LGA of Zamfara State.
On the same day, troops rescued two abducted victims and recovered two motorcycles along the Dandume–Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.
Similarly, troops intensified operations across Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna, and Bilange Forest in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State.
During the operation, troops discovered and destroyed a terrorist camp in Bilange Forest and recovered military uniforms, identification cards, and a rifle.
Troops, in conjunction with local security groups, also recovered a locally fabricated rifle concealed under shrubs near Maikujera Village in Rabah LGA of Sokoto State.
The rifle was believed to have been hidden by terrorists following an earlier ambush on troops on August 28, 2026.
North Central
In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke sustained operations against armed criminality and kidnapping across Benue, Kogi, and Taraba states.
Onoja said troops on patrol along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State engaged two suspected terrorists on a motorcycle. One was neutralised while the other escaped.
A pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition, and assorted charms were recovered.
Troops also compelled kidnappers who had abducted two women at Ajodomodo Village in Dekina LGA of Kogi State to abandon their victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.
They further conducted a clearance operation at Peva in Takum LGA of Taraba State, targeting the hideout of a wanted gang leader.
The operation led to the arrest of five gang members and the recovery of ammunition and other items, while efforts to apprehend the gang leader are ongoing.
Under Operation Enduring Peace, troops maintained vigilance over communities in Kaduna State to disrupt kidnapping networks and arrested a suspected informant for kidnappers at Sabon Gida Village in Sanga LGA.
The suspect is undergoing interrogation to establish his involvement with the kidnapping network and identify other members still at large.
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield also sustained operations against criminality and kidnapping across Kwara and Niger states.
They rescued five male kidnap victims from their farms along the Kotonkoro–Bangi Road in Mariga LGA of Niger State.
Onoja said a suspected terrorist fighter with a gunshot wound was also apprehended at Gaa Ali Awere Village in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State following credible intelligence on his movements.
South East
In the South East, troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained operations against secessionist elements across Anambra and Enugu states.
Major General Onoja said troops, in conjunction with a local security group in Anambra State, arrested two suspects at Mbosi in Ihiala LGA.
They also conducted a raid at Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State, where they arrested a suspect identified as a member of a secessionist syndicate allegedly orchestrating attacks on security agencies in the state.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, GCOR, AFM, commended the troops for their unrelenting efforts across all theatres of operation in neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens, receiving surrendered terrorist fighters and their families, and dismantling criminal and secessionist networks.
The Chief of Defence Staff also commended the sustained collaboration between troops and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, local security groups, and other stakeholders, saying the synergy continued to yield tangible results in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and secessionist agitation.
He appreciated the media for their continued professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations and appealed to members of the public, traditional rulers, and community leaders to continue providing useful information to security forces to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
General Oluyede assured Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to sustaining the current tempo of operations until peace, stability, and security are fully restored across all theatres of operation.
