By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised over 50 terrorists, rescued dozens of kidnap victims and arrested scores of suspects in operations across the country between 30 October and 5 November 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on 8 November 2026.
According to the statement, in Borno and Yobe States, troops of Operation HADIN KAI repelled attack at Buni Yadi and Bitta, killing 55 terrorists and recovering 47 AK-47 rifles, machine guns, a mortar, RPGs and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Twelve terrorists and family members also surrendered in Bama and Gwoza, citing military pressure and rivalry between JAS and ISWAP factions. Troops rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains and arrested 50 suspected terrorists, collaborators and logistics suppliers, including 36 suspects arrested with NDLEA officials at motor parks in Maiduguri.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 18 kidnap victims in Kebbi and Zamfara States, arrested two kidnap suspects in Kaduna State, and, with DSS operatives, arrested a wounded terrorist seeking treatment at a clinic in Kagarko LGA.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted a suspected terrorist at Kukawa in Kanam LGA with an AK-47 magazine and ammunition, said to belong to a syndicate led by one Kaura.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE destroyed a hideout in Edimogbo Forest, neutralised five kidnappers in Obele Forest and other locations, rescued six civilians including a baby in Taraba State, and arrested a suspected gunrunner in Gboko, Benue State. A terrorist, his wife and two children also surrendered in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 15 kidnap victims in Kontagora, Niger State, recovered weapons, 33 motorcycles and ₦4,105,000, neutralised two Ansaru terrorists in Kaiama, Kwara State, and rescued three other victims in Edu LGA.
In Abia and Anambra States, troops of Operation UDO KA rescued one kidnap victim in Umunneochi LGA and recovered a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges in Anambra East LGA.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage and sacrifice, and honoured the officer, soldier and civilian hunter who paid the supreme price.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens to provide timely information through the nearest military formation of the toll-free line 193, and to deny criminals logistics and support.
The AFN, he said, will sustain the momentum until lasting peace and security are restored across the country.
