By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has recorded major gains against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft, with troops rescuing 359 victims and dismantling criminal networks across the country between July 31 and August 6, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in an operational update on Thursday.
He said the operations also led to the arrest of suspected terrorists and collaborators, recovery of arms and ammunition, destruction of illegal refining sites, and recovery of over 250,000 litres of suspected stolen crude and refined products.
Under Operation HADIN KAI troops foiled an attempted abduction along Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu LGA, Borno State, rescuing 31 civilians — 22 men, five women and four children. Four vehicles and a motorcycle were recovered.
In Gwoza LGA, troops rescued two women and two children held captive since 2023 and arrested suspected terrorist informants. Several insurgents and their families also surrendered.
In Askira Uba LGA, troops rescued 18-year-old Blessing Tuggur, abducted in November 2025, and reunited her with her family.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops intercepted 21 travellers in Giwa LGA, Kaduna State. Five were profiled as suspected terrorists and handed to the DSS.
In Sokoto’s Gudu LGA, four suspects were arrested with six rustled cattle and N165,000.
The Air Component conducted precision strikes on terrorists in Mariga LGA, Niger State, killing scores and destroying motorcycles, logistics and explosives.
Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued seven victims on the Wukari-Zaki-Biam Road and arrested a gun runner in Makurdi with two pistols. A hideout linked to wanted terrorist leader “Full Fire” was destroyed in Ukum LGA, with five associates arrested.
In Nasarawa, troops recovered 551 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. In Kogi, two kidnap victims were rescued and one suspect neutralised.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD carried out the week’s largest rescue, freeing 308 persons, mainly women and children, from Kainji Lake National Park in Borgu LGA, Niger State. 163 were from Kwara and 145 from Niger. One terrorist was killed in Mariga and nine motorcycles recovered.
Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 11 kidnap victims on the Lagos-Benin Road in Edo.
Operation DELTA SENTINEL dismantled three illegal refineries in Rivers’ Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis and recovered 61,000 litres of stolen products. Another 85,300 litres were found on August 5. In Delta’s Oteghele axis, troops recovered 105,000 litres on August 6.
Operation UDO KA arrested suspects linked to an ambush on troops. They led soldiers to recover weapons in Delta and Imo. A militant leader, “Comedy,” surrendered arms in Imo through the State Amnesty Chairman.
Five suspected IPOB members were arrested in Enugu and a hideout destroyed. Two GPMGs, ammunition and an IED were recovered. A kidnap attempt on Nsukka-Obollo Road was also foiled.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry and urged Nigerians to provide timely information to security agencies.
