By Zakaa Lazarus
The Armed Forces of Nigeria says it recorded significant operational successes across all theatres between August 14 and 20, 2026, in its sustained campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operations led to the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of abducted citizens, surrender of insurgents, and disruption of illegal oil refining and arms supply networks.
North East: Operation HADIN KAI
In Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi and Yobe states, troops rescued 3 kidnap victims in Gwamnare Forest, Bauchi on August 14, while 5 others escaped. Two victims were killed by captors before troops arrived. Two terrorists were neutralised during a foiled attack in Biu LGA, Borno on August 15.
Between August 16-20, 47 terrorist family members surrendered in Gwoza and Mafa LGAs, citing hunger and internal clashes. Six fighters also surrendered in Kukawa LGA.
North West: Operation FANSAN YAMMA
In Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states, troops neutralised 4 terrorists and rescued 28 abducted victims between August 17-19 across Bukkuyum, Sabuwa, Kankara and Isa LGAs.
On August 14, a suspect was arrested in Zurmi LGA with 180 units of explosives meant for terrorists in Katsina. Six informants linked to the abduction of an immigration officer’s family and polytechnic students were also arrested.
North Central: Operations WHIRL STROKE, ENDURING PEACE & SAVANNAH SHIELD
In Kogi, troops forced kidnappers to release 13 victims in Ofu and Dekina LGAs on August 14. In Nasarawa, the leader of a kidnap gang was neutralised in Lafia on August 18.
In Plateau, troops responded to attacks in Bassa and Mangu LGAs, rescued a gunshot victim and recovered firearms and dane guns. In Kwara, one terrorist was neutralised and 7 kidnap victims rescued on August 18.
South South: Operation DELTA SAFE
In Edo and Delta, 4 suspected kidnappers and an arms trafficker with 7 locally made pistols were arrested. Under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in Rivers, troops disrupted 3 illegal refining sites in ONELGA, recovering 85,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.
South East: Operation UDO KA
Troops disarmed multiple IEDs in Imo, dismantled an illegal bunkering site in Abia, and arrested suspects in Rivers and Anambra. 11 IEDs were also cleared in Ihiala LGA, Anambra on August 20.
As part of civil-military cooperation, the Nigerian Navy commissioned a solar-powered water project in Surulere, Lagos State on August 14.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resolve and sympathised with families of victims. He urged continued public support with credible information to security agencies.
