By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has intensified nationwide operations, recording significant gains against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements between April 10 and 16, 2026.
The military said the coordinated offensives across various theatres resulted in the arrest of numerous suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, seizure of arms and logistics, and the neutralisation of several insurgents, reinforcing efforts to restore safety and stability across the country.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday, stating that troops remained resolute in sustaining pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, JAS, and other violent groups.
He said in the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested a long-time fuel supplier to terrorists in Borno State and intercepted a truck conveying medical supplies concealed under cement bags in Yobe State, while 20 suspects were arrested in raids in Adamawa and three informants apprehended in Yobe.
Onoja added that clearance operations across forest enclaves in Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba States led to the dismantling of terrorist camps and the arrest of a deputy to a notorious kingpin alongside his wife in Gombe State.
In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted IED-making materials in Jigawa, arrested suspects linked to past attacks in Kaduna, foiled attacks in Katsina, apprehended informants in Kebbi, and disrupted terrorist movements in Zamfara.
Operations in the North-Central under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke led to the defeat of terrorists in Niger State, rescue of kidnapped victims in Plateau and Kogi States, arrest of kidnappers, and the dismantling of an arms trafficking syndicate in the FCT.
In the South-South and South-East, troops of Operations Delta Safe and Udo Ka arrested suspects in Edo and Cross River States, neutralised a terrorist in Anambra, and apprehended suspects linked to ransom payments in Enugu State, recovering weapons and cash.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olatunbosun Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain the operational momentum, while assuring Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.
