The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across various theatres between 17th and 23rd July 2026, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting criminal suspects and recovering arms, ammunition and other logistics used by insurgents, kidnappers and oil thieves.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
According to the statement, troops sustained offensive operations nationwide against terrorists, kidnappers and their collaborators, while also ensuring the security of strategic national infrastructure, highways and rail corridors.The operations resulted in the elimination of several terrorist elements, the rescue of abducted persons and the disruption of criminal networks across the country.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI dealt a major blow to insurgents with the neutralisation of Abu Salim Al-Barnawi, a senior Boko Haram/ISWAP commander and propaganda chief, during an operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The statement added that Nigerian Army Aviation also conducted air strikes on terrorist positions in Bama LGA, killing scores of fighters, while troops foiled an attempted infiltration of the University of Maiduguri by terrorists, killing two insurgents.Troops also rescued several kidnapped victims in Gwoza LGA, including women and children, and arrested suspected ISWAP members, logistics suppliers, terrorist collaborators and a foreign fighter from Sudan.
Five suspected kidnappers were equally apprehended in Fune LGA of Yobe State with three fabricated AK-47 rifles and other weapons.In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded successes against terrorist groups in Kaduna and Zamfara states, with troops arresting suspected collaborators involved in intelligence gathering and logistics support for terrorists.
The military stated that troops rescued 11 abducted persons after responding to a distress call along the Gummi-Sokoto Road in Zamfara State.The statement noted that Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Kwara State neutralised four suspected kidnappers and arrested two others during a search-and-rescue operation in Kaiama LGA, leading to the rescue of one victim. Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered weapons and engaged armed militia groups in Plateau State as part of efforts to restore peace in troubled communities.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE troops operating across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states rescued kidnapped victims, neutralised terrorists and arrested several militia suspects. The military also reported the arrest of logistics suppliers, couriers and informants linked to criminal groups operating within the region.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, uncovering multiple illegal refining sites and bunkering camps in Rivers State. Thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products were recovered, while several suspects were arrested.
The statement further revealed that troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East arrested suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Enugu State. Troops also raided a criminal hideout along the Omoku-Ogbaku-Ndoni axis and recovered rifles and ammunition believed to have been used for kidnapping and attacks on security personnel.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, GCON, commended troops for their professionalism and resilience across all theatres of operation, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting lives and property and degrading the capabilities of terrorists, kidnappers, militias and other criminal elements.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to security agencies and continue supporting ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the country.