The Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, has recorded significant successes across all operational theatres between 20 and 27 August 2026, in the sustained fight against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on Friday in Abuja.
According to General Onoja, troops sustained aggressive operations in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States.
On 22 August, troops intercepted eight abductees — three women and five children — around Ngoshe in Gwoza LGA, Borno. On the same day, three minors who escaped from terrorist enclaves near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza were rescued.
Between 23 and 27 August, troops arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, spies and fighters in Biu, Guzamala and Damboa LGAs of Borno, and Michika LGA of Adamawa.
On 27 August, troops repelled an attempted infiltration along the Gulumba Gana axis in Dikwa LGA, neutralising one terrorist while two escaped with gunshot wounds.
In a major clearance operation at Kopre Mountain in Hong LGA of Adamawa between 26 and 27 August, troops neutralised 21 terrorists, destroyed their camp and recovered six AK-47 rifles, 23 magazines and 586 rounds of ammunition.
The statement also noted multiple surrenders between 22 and 25 August at Kumburi, Bula Daloye and New Abaram in Bama LGA. A terrorist leader and fighters surrendered, citing military pressure and internal clashes.
In Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara, troops conducted several rescue operations.
On 22 August, six victims were rescued along Dandume-Sheme Road in Katsina with ₦800,000 recovered from captors. On 23 August, six victims were rescued in Anka LGA, Zamfara. On 24 August, three children were rescued in Kachia LGA, Kaduna. On 25 August, 14 victims were rescued in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara. On 26 August, two female captives were rescued in Igabi LGA, Kaduna.
Troops also disrupted arms trafficking. On 23 August, disassembled canoes were intercepted along the Zamfara-Kebbi axis and three gunrunners were arrested with a rifle concealed in millet. A notorious kingpin, Mallam Sanusi Mai Glass, was arrested in Dutsinma LGA, Katsina.
In Benue, Kogi and Taraba, troops arrested a gunrunner’s accomplice in Wukari who confessed to supplying four AK-47s and 6,000 rounds. Two kidnap victims were rescued in Lokoja, and one terrorist was neutralised in Katsina-Ala, Benue on 27 August.
In Plateau, one suspect was arrested in Bassa LGA with a locally made gun. In Niger, troops repelled an attack in Dekara, Borgu LGA and recovered an AK-47, six motorcycles, 49 phones and other items.
In Rivers and Imo, the Navy disrupted oil theft. On 20 August, about 93,000 litres of stolen crude were seized in Bonny LGA. On 22 August, three illegal refining sites with 103,000 litres of AGO were destroyed in Egbema-Ndoni. On 27 August, two tankers were intercepted in Eleme LGA.
In Anambra and Imo, troops intercepted vehicles with illegally refined products on 21 August. On 22 August, a joint raid on IPOB/ESN strongholds in Ogbaru LGA, Anambra, led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and recovery of pump-action guns and IED materials.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry and appreciated Air Peace for according military personnel priority boarding and a standing ovation in Abuja.
He also commended collaboration with the Nigeria Police, DSS and local security groups, and appealed to the public and traditional leaders to continue providing credible information.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reassures all citizens of its unwavering commitment to sustaining the current tempo of operations,” the statement said.