By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, recorded major operational gains across the country between August 7 and 13, 2026, neutralising scores of terrorists and kidnappers, rescuing at least 40 abducted persons, and recovering arms, ammunition, cash and large quantities of suspected stolen petroleum products.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on Saturday, in Abuja.
According to the statement, troops sustained aggressive offensive and counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East, significantly disrupting terrorist and criminal networks.
In Borno and Adamawa states, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised terrorists, arrested logistics facilitators and disrupted supply networks.
On August 7, troops neutralised a terrorist in Kaniram East, Abadam LGA of Borno State, and recovered arms before destroying the hideout. Troops also foiled illegal tax collection by terrorists in Gaba-Dzangola, Gombi LGA of Adamawa State.
Five suspected collaborators and cattle rustlers were arrested along Mandaraugirau-Sabon Gari Road in Biu LGA, while a suspected informant was arrested at Damboa IDP camp on August 10.
The military also recorded 19 surrenders by terrorist fighters and their families in Borno, citing food shortages and sustained pressure. In Nganzai LGA, troops foiled an infiltration attempt, neutralising one terrorist and recovering weapons. Five female abductees who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains were rescued in Gwoza LGA.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops engaged terrorists in Shinkafi and Birnin Magaji LGAs of Zamfara State, forcing them to abandon motorcycles and equipment. A suspected collaborator was arrested in Maradun with ₦5.3 million recovered.
In Kebbi State, troops neutralised 18 terrorists in Makuku Village, Sakaba LGA. Two foreign IED experts were also arrested in Zurmi, Zamfara. Kidnapped victims abandoned by terrorists were rescued in Tsafe LGA.
In Benue State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised an assailant in Logo LGA and destroyed the hideout of a kidnap kingpin’s associate in Ukum LGA, arresting five suspects.
In Kogi State, security forces rescued 25 kidnap victims along Ojuwo-Ajengo and Ajaokuta-Itobe roads. One local security operative was killed and a police officer wounded.
In Niger State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued nine kidnap victims in Mariga LGA. In Plateau, Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued a victim in Bassa LGA.
Operation DELTA SAFE troops rescued a farmer in Esan South-East LGA, Edo State, neutralising one kidnapper and recovering ₦1.5 million ransom.
