By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded major operational gains across the country, rescuing no fewer than 179 kidnapped victims and neutralising several terrorists and criminal elements in coordinated operations conducted between May 25 and 28, 2026.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing on ongoing military operations across various theatres nationwide.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the achievements reflected the professionalism and sustained offensive posture of the military against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening national security.
According to the military, the most significant humanitarian breakthrough was recorded under Operation Savannah Shield, where 148 kidnapped victims, comprising two adult males and 146 women and children, regained freedom after over three months in captivity.
The victims, who were abducted from Galma Village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, were reportedly released by terrorists operating from Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara State before being escorted to Bangi for reunification with their families.
In another operation, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 31 kidnapped victims along the Bagega-Kawaye Road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State after Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships carried out airstrikes around Bagega Forest, forcing the kidnappers to flee.
The Defence Headquarters further revealed that troops across the North-East neutralised at least 13 terrorists during separate operations in Borno, Taraba and Yobe states.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly killed two terrorists during a fighting patrol at Akate in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition and mobile phones.
Another five terrorists were neutralised during a failed massing attempt along the Bam-Buratai axis in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, while four more insurgents were killed in an ambush operation along the Damaturu-Buni Yadi Road in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Military authorities also disclosed that sustained offensives in the North-East had continued to weaken terrorist enclaves, leading to fresh surrenders and escape of abductees from insurgent camps.
A male family member of a suspected terrorist surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after escaping from the Kimbe enclave in the Mandara Mountains, citing harsh conditions and intensified military pressure.
Additionally, four abductees rescued by the Cameroon Defence Force were handed over to Nigerian troops in Kirawa after earlier attacks on Ngoshe community.
In the North-West, troops arrested a suspected member of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Kebbi State, while operations in Zamfara and Katsina states led to the killing of three terrorists and destruction of criminal hideouts.
One of those neutralised was identified by local vigilantes as Mallam Mau’re, a loyal foot soldier of notorious terrorist kingpin Muhammadu Fulani.
Recovered items during the operations included AK-47 rifles, fabricated firearms, motorcycles and ammunition.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued two injured victims following an attack on Lusuru Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
The military also confirmed the killing of a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya during a raid on his hideout in Kikoba, Kauru Local Government Area.
Anti-drug operations under Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue State also yielded major recoveries, with troops intercepting over 500 suspected illicit substances, including methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice”.
Security operatives also arrested suspected drug traffickers and recovered mobile phones, a Point of Sale machine, motorcycles and cash during follow-up raids in Makurdi.
In Edo State, troops of Operation Delta Safe, working alongside the police and local hunters, carried out clearance operations and ambushes targeting kidnappers’ routes and hideouts.
One suspected kidnapper was killed during an ambush operation in Esan North-East Local Government Area, while another suspect was arrested during forest clearance operations in Owan East LGA.
Recovered exhibits included locally made firearms, cartridges, ropes, hard drugs, mobile phones and cash.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN commander identified as Chinedu Opete, alias “Dragon”, during a raid in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The military said the suspect was arrested alongside another accomplice, with troops recovering military belts and berets bearing IPOB/ESN insignia.
The Defence Headquarters said the latest operational gains underscored the determination of the Armed Forces under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to sustain pressure on criminal elements across the country.
It urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
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