Odita Sunday 
AFN Records Tactical Gains Nationwide, Neutralises 29 Terrorists, Rescues Victims — Mourns Fallen Hero
By Odita Sunday
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained a multi-theatre offensive against terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal networks, recording significant tactical gains across the country within one week, even as the military mourns the loss of a brave soldier in the line of duty.
According to a comprehensive operational briefing by the Defence Headquarters, troops neutralised a total of 29 terrorists across various theatres between April 17 and 23, 2026, while also rescuing kidnapped victims and dismantling logistics networks supporting insurgent activities.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded the most decisive engagement when they repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on Kukareta along the Maiduguri–Damaturu corridor, killing 21 insurgents and recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Additional operations across Borno and Yobe states accounted for further neutralisation of terrorists, while troops also rescued nine captives who escaped from the Mandara Mountains and successfully repelled follow-up attempts by insurgents to recapture them.
Beyond combat engagements, the military disrupted logistics supply chains, including the arrest of a suspect transporting 15 sacks of petrol intended for terrorist groups.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma continued sustained pressure on terrorist elements, combining kinetic operations with intelligence-led actions that led to the destruction of camps, rescue of kidnapped victims, and interception of explosive materials.
Operations in the North-Central under multiple task forces further demonstrated the military’s layered approach, combining clearance operations, arrests, and rescue missions across Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi states.
Particularly notable were operations in Benue State, where troops rescued at least 18 kidnapped victims in separate incidents, reinforcing efforts to secure vulnerable transit corridors.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe maintained momentum against criminal networks, rescuing kidnap victims and intercepting illegal petroleum products, while in the South-East, troops sustained pressure on IPOB/ESN networks through targeted arrests.
Despite these gains, the Armed Forces acknowledged the loss of Corporal Abubakar Sadiq, who was killed by Boko Haram terrorists during the operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, described the fallen soldier as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
“His courage, resilience, and devotion to duty embody the finest ideals of the Armed Forces… his sacrifice will forever be honoured and remembered,” he said.
The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining operational momentum while adhering strictly to the rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards.
It also called on citizens to support ongoing operations by providing credible intelligence, noting that public cooperation remains critical to achieving lasting security.
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