The Armed Forces of Nigeria say sustained offensive operations across the country over the week of July 3 to 9, 2026 rescued abducted citizens, dismantled terrorist logistics networks and disrupted criminal activity nationwide, according to Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja, who briefed reporters in Abuja on the results.
In the North East, Onoja said troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued six farmers abducted from Mussa in Askira Uba local government area of Borno State and destroyed terrorist logistics and support structures across Wulgo, Hausari, Danbaure and Jegarawaji in Ngala local government area, arresting suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, including one suspect accused of helping terrorists identify wealthy individuals to kidnap in Monguno. Troops also recovered ransom money, weapons and other supplies from criminal elements during the operations, with several suspected terrorists and collaborators arrested across different parts of the theatre.
In the North West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma intensified patrols and tactical operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states, recovering weapons, ammunition and stolen livestock while disrupting terrorist activity, and intercepted individuals suspected of supplying materials for improvised explosive devices, with targeted raids destroying additional terrorist logistics networks. In the North Central, troops of Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke carried out counter terrorism, anti kidnapping and anti criminality operations across Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, resulting in arrests, weapons recovery, rescued kidnap victims and disrupted criminal hideouts.
In the South South and South East, troops of Operations Delta Safe and Udo Ka recorded successes against sea pirates, kidnappers, economic saboteurs and criminal elements, dismantling illegal refining sites in Rivers and Abia states, recovering stolen crude oil and refined products, and disrupting activity threatening the country’s economic assets. Onoja also credited the Air Component of the Armed Forces with precision air operations and armed reconnaissance missions that supported ground troops and enabled the rescue of kidnap victims during the week, saying Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism and sacrifice across ongoing operations nationwide. The Defence Headquarters urged communities and the media to keep supplying timely, credible information to support military operations and strengthen national security.
