The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reported fresh operational gains against terrorists, kidnappers, secessionist elements and other criminal networks during operations conducted across the country between September 4 and 10, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in the military’s weekly operational briefing, saying the operations resulted in the surrender of 17 terrorist fighters and their family members, the rescue of an abducted woman and her one-year-old child, arrests of suspected criminals and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and terrorist logistics supplies.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive operations across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. According to Onoja, 17 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered in Monguno and along the Gwoza-Limankara Road in Borno State between September 4 and 7.
The defectors reportedly cited harsh living conditions, hunger and shortages of basic necessities in their enclaves around the Mandara Mountains as reasons for abandoning the terrorist groups.
Onoja also said troops rescued a woman and her one-year-old child near Gava in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on September 8. The woman, an indigene of Chinene, reportedly told the troops that she had been abducted and forced into child marriage by her captors in 2025.
The military also reported several arrests linked to suspected terrorist networks in the North-East, including suspected fighters, informants, spies and logistics suppliers. Troops reportedly recovered medical and veterinary supplies, pharmaceuticals and motorcycle spare parts allegedly intended for terrorist groups.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states. In Katsina, troops supported by an attack helicopter reportedly attacked a suspected terrorist hideout in Yantumaki Forest, Danmusa Local Government Area, killing one suspected terrorist while others fled.
The troops also recovered motorcycles and medical supplies allegedly intended for terrorists. In Kaduna, separate operations resulted in the arrest of a suspected terrorist kingpin and two members of his group at a suspected hideout in Kubau Local Government Area.
Troops also intercepted a suspected ammunition courier in Igabi Local Government Area and recovered 300 rounds of live ammunition, according to a separate report by the operation’s media information officer.
Onoja further reported that troops disrupted suspected terrorist logistics networks in the region, including the arrest of suspected suppliers and the interception of materials allegedly destined for terrorist groups.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD maintained operations in Niger State. During a patrol near Dekara Village in Borgu Local Government Area, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition reportedly abandoned by terrorists who had earlier attacked a military position in the area.
The military’s account comes weeks after a major attack in the Dekara area, where armed men abducted worshippers during Friday prayers. The exact number of victims from the August 21 attack remains disputed, with security authorities previously saying the number was yet to be established.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued operations in Edo State, where they reportedly arrested four suspected kidnappers during a raid on a suspected criminal camp in Sasaro/Agor Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The troops, working with the Nigeria Police Force and local security groups, also responded to an alleged ransom collection operation near Juju Junction, behind Ambrose Alli University in Esan West Local Government Area. The suspects reportedly abandoned their victims and fled into nearby bushes, with one believed to have sustained a gunshot wound.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified operations against secessionist elements and other criminal groups in Anambra and Enugu states.
The military said troops arrested suspects allegedly involved in planning attacks against security agencies in Enugu East Local Government Area and recovered locally fabricated weapons, including a pistol and knives, during separate operations. Another locally made pistol was recovered from a suspect’s residence in Umuoba Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, following a distress call.
The reported operations formed part of the military’s broader campaign to disrupt terrorist networks, cut off their logistics and weapons supply chains, rescue kidnapped victims and prevent criminal groups from maintaining freedom of movement.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops across the various operational theatres for their resilience and commitment.
According to the military, Oluyede also praised cooperation between the Armed Forces, other security agencies and local stakeholders, describing such collaboration as critical to the country’s response to terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats.
The CDS urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to sustaining the current tempo of operations while ensuring that troops operate in accordance with their Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, International Humanitarian Law and other applicable international standards.