Nigerian Military records major gains across theatres as troops rescue hundreds, bust terror networks nationwide

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reported sweeping operational successes across all theatres of operation between 4 and 11 June 2026, in what appears to be one of the most extensive coordinated military offensives in recent months against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft, and armed criminal networks nationwide.

In a detailed operational briefing signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said troops operating under various Joint Task Forces recorded significant breakthroughs, including mass civilian rescues, arrests of informants and logistics suppliers, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and stolen crude oil.

Across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East, the operations reflected intensified pressure on insurgent and criminal elements, with the Armed Forces reiterating their commitment to restoring stability and enabling safe return of displaced persons.

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North-East: Mass Rescue in Mandara Mountains, Terror Networks Disrupted

Under Operation Hadin Kai, troops maintained sustained offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.

A major highlight was a multi-axis raid in the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza LGA, which led to the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children abducted during earlier attacks. The operation also triggered additional escapes, with several abductees recovered alive in separate incidents.

Troops also intercepted informants, logistics suppliers, and suspected collaborators across Borno and Yobe, while recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and communication equipment used by terrorist networks.

In Monguno, a suspected terrorist reportedly surrendered to troops with minimal possessions, signalling continued pressure on insurgent enclaves.

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North-West: Arms Interdiction and Terrorist Engagements in Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina

Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops intercepted a major arms shipment disguised in agricultural produce along Gusau–Shinkafi axis, recovering hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a locally fabricated pistol.

Follow-up operations led to the arrest of suspected arms couriers and recipients.

In Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina States, troops engaged terrorists in multiple encounters, neutralised armed elements, and recovered motorcycles, weapons, and communication devices allegedly used for coordination of attacks.

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North-Central: Informant Networks Dismantled, Kidnap Rings Disrupted

Under Operation Savannah Shield in Niger State, troops arrested several suspected informants and high-value targets linked to surveillance networks, with recovered devices revealing disturbing evidence of extremist propaganda and violent imagery.

In Plateau State under Operation Enduring Peace, troops rescued kidnapped victims along key highways and arrested suspected kidnappers, including individuals identified by former victims.

Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke recorded recoveries of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and the disruption of armed gangs across Benue, Kogi, and Taraba States.

A separate operation in Kogi led to the rescue of abducted civilians after troops intercepted kidnappers attempting to move victims across communities.

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South-South: Oil Theft Networks Crushed, Illegal Refineries Dismantled

Under Operation Delta Safe, troops intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom States.

Key discoveries included illegal siphoning installations, thousands of litres of stolen crude oil, and intercepted vehicles transporting illegally refined petroleum products.

Several suspects were arrested, while others fled during operations. Military units also collaborated with private security stakeholders in dismantling illegal bunkering infrastructure.

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South-East: IPOB/ESN Networks Degraded, Large Arms Cache Recovered

Under Operation Udo Ka, troops recorded major breakthroughs against criminal and separatist-linked armed groups.

In Enugu and Abia States, coordinated intelligence-led raids led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including:

GPMG

RPG-7 launcher

Multiple AK-47 rifles

Grenades and ammunition

Several suspects were arrested, while others were handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

Troops also uncovered crude oil storage sites in Imo State and dismantled illegal refining facilities.

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Military Reaffirms Commitment

The Armed Forces said the operations demonstrate sustained professionalism and coordination across theatres, describing the gains as part of broader efforts to restore peace, protect civilians, and dismantle criminal economies.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their “courage and discipline,” reaffirming the military’s resolve to maintain pressure on all hostile elements nationwide.

Citizens were urged to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.