Odita Sunday 
Troops Rescue Captives, Bust Terror Networks, Recover Arms In Nationwide Offensive
By Odita Sunday
Nigeria’s military has reported sweeping operational gains across multiple theatres of conflict, rescuing kidnapped civilians, dismantling terrorist support networks, intercepting arms couriers and disrupting oil theft operations in what the Armed Forces described as sustained pressure against insecurity across the country.
The latest operational briefing covering 12-18 June 2026 showed troops intensifying coordinated offensives against terrorists, kidnappers, collaborators and economic saboteurs, while recording arrests, weapons recoveries and breakthroughs in intelligence-led operations.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained attacks on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Borno State, rescuing civilians and forcing insurgents into retreat. Along the Damasak-Gubio Main Supply Route in Gubio LGA, terrorists abandoned kidnapped civilians after sighting advancing troops.
Military pressure also reportedly forced a 16-year-old relative of a suspected terrorist, Isa Umaru, to flee the Chikide enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrender at Pulka due to starvation and sustained troop operations.
Troops further disrupted insurgent logistics and espionage activities with the arrest of suspected collaborators, including Abubakar Usman, also known as Buba, at the GSS IDP Camp in Gwoza town.
According to a statement signed by MICHAEL ONOJA, Major General, Director Defence Media Operations, dated 19 June 2026, the military, the suspect confessed to attempts to lure repentant terrorists back into insurgent camps for execution.
Follow-up operations also led to additional arrests in Kukawa and Gwoza LGAs.
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Kaduna States, neutralising terrorists, recovering arms and destroying insurgent camps.
Military operations in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State led to the killing of a terrorist and recovery of an AK-47 rifle and magazines, while another operation along the Zurmi–Jibia axis resulted in the neutralisation of six terrorists. Troops also recovered motorcycles, an RPG launcher tube and IED chargers in separate engagements.
The military said its operations translated into civilian rescue successes, including the recovery of seven kidnapped victims in Bukuyyum LGA who reportedly escaped captivity following military air interdictions. Additional rescue missions in Kaduna and Zamfara States led to the liberation of abducted civilians and the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator, Sani Abdu Danfulani.
In the North-Central theatre, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded a significant breakthrough following the arrest of Mrs. Hafsatu Alh Bello, wife of notorious terrorist kingpin Auta Ilori, during an operation near Ndeji town in Edu LGA of Kwara State.
Security operatives also arrested four suspected terrorists in Oyo State after investigators reportedly found incriminating photographs on mobile devices showing some suspects dressed in military camouflage and carrying AK-47 rifles.
Further operations in Niger and Kwara States led to additional arrests linked to previous kidnapping attempts, including Hussieni Minna and Sani Abbas, both now undergoing further investigation.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE also recorded breakthroughs in Plateau and Kaduna States, arresting suspected kidnappers and recovering locally fabricated firearms and ammunition.
Among those arrested was Danjuma Yusuf, identified as a former Police Inspector dismissed from service, who was reportedly found in possession of weapons and photographs depicting him in police uniform.
Operations under Operation WHIRL STROKE across Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States produced further gains, including the rescue of kidnapping victims, arrest of suspected informants and interception of an alleged ammunition courier transporting concealed rounds along the Awe–Lafia Road.
Troops also rescued five traumatised victims following military air strikes on Kachallah Danguntu’s camp in Kogi State.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE sustained crackdowns on crude oil theft and maritime crimes.
Troops intercepted a truck conveying approximately 45,000 litres of illegally purchased black oil in Akwa Ibom State and seized another consignment of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil estimated at 20,000 litres during a joint maritime patrol with the Tantita Security team in Rivers State.
Security operations in Edo State also led to the arrest of suspected members of kidnapping syndicates, including Abdulsalim Adama and Musadik Tanimu.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified operations against criminal networks and secessionist elements in the South-East.
The military announced the arrest of Mr. Emeka Kalu Chiowa in Abia State over alleged kidnapping activities and logistics support for IPOB/ESN, while troops in Imo State apprehended suspected IPOB/ESN Commander Mr. Chima Ejiofor Emmanuel, also known as “Moroco”, at a medical facility in Okigwe.
Air operations also supported internal security efforts after a technical fault affected the Abuja–Kaduna train service, with a Nigerian Air Force helicopter providing aerial surveillance over the rail corridor and surrounding areas.
As part of civil-military cooperation initiatives, troops distributed 40 bags of fertiliser to selected farmers in Dutse LGA of Jigawa State to support agricultural productivity and strengthen community relations.
Speaking at the conclusion of the operational briefing, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, commended troops and sister agencies for their professionalism and reaffirmed that military offensives would continue until criminal networks are dismantled nationwide.
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