By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, sustained kinetic operations across all theatres of operations nationwide between 31 August and 3 September 2026, recording several successes in the campaign against terrorism, kidnapping and secessionist agitation.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the operations reflect the resolve of AFN to ensure the protection of lives and property as well as safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained counter-terrorism operations across Borno and Yobe States. On 1 September 2026, troops encountered a command-detonated Improvised Explosive Device, IED, along the Miyanti–Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama LGA of Borno State. One terrorist was neutralized, while a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were recovered. Troops also ambushed and neutralized a terrorist and recovered a rifle and ammunition at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.
On 31 August 2026, troops intercepted an escapee who had fled terrorist captivity due to hunger and hardship around Sabsawa in Bama LGA of Borno State. On the same day, troops arrested a suspect in Konduga LGA while conveying foodstuffs destined for a terrorist enclave in Bama LGA. On 1 September 2026, troops arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant at Damasak in Mobbar LGA.
Between 1 and 2 September 2026, several terrorist fighters surrendered to troops. On 2 September 2026, twenty-one women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa LGA, citing clashes between rival terrorist factions within the Yaganari enclave. On 3 September 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist spy loitering along the Kauwa–Kukawa Road in Kukawa LGA. All surrendered persons and rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities.
In the North West, troops sustained offensive operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States. On 31 August 2026, troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts at Kogo Village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State, neutralising two terrorist kingpins.
On 2 September 2026, 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. On the same day, troops ambushed terrorists on motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi–Zurmi axis in Zamfara State and recovered a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle and ammunition.
Troops also rescued six abducted victims at Mehinua Village in Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State on 2 September, and 23 abducted civilians, comprising three men and 20 women, on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka LGA of Zamfara State on 3 September. The victims had been held captive for approximately three weeks and were evacuated for medical attention.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised a suspected terrorist on the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State on 2 September, and compelled kidnappers to abandon two women unharmed in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. On 3 September, troops arrested five gang members at Peva in Takum LGA of Taraba State.
Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected informant for kidnappers at Sabon Gida village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State on 3 September.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued five male kidnap victims along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga LGA of Niger State on 2 September, and apprehended a suspected terrorist fighter with a gunshot wound in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects at Mbosi in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State on 1 September for allegedly treating secessionist elements. On 2 September, troops raided Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North LGA and arrested a suspect linked to attacks on security agencies.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, GCOR, AFM, commended troops for neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens, receiving surrendered fighters and dismantling criminal networks. He also commended collaboration with the Nigeria Police, DSS, local security groups and other stakeholders.
General Oluyede appealed to the public, traditional and community leaders to continue providing useful information to troops. The AFN reassured citizens of its commitment to sustaining the current tempo of operations until peace and security are fully restored.
