Written by
Ishioma Appiah Yebah
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded sweeping victories against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and arms traffickers across the country, neutralising 317 criminal elements and rescuing 221 kidnapped civilians in a series of coordinated military offensives carried out in May 2026.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed the figures during its monthly operational briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, describing the achievements as a major blow to criminal networks threatening national security.
Briefing journalists on the latest report on military activities in the six geo-political zones of the country, Director Defence Media Operations Major General Micheal Onoja , troops also arrested 314 suspects, recovered 93 weapons, destroyed three illegal refining sites, and seized over 21,900 litres of stolen petroleum products during operations conducted across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East theatres.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified attacks against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Taraba states. The operations led to the killing of dozens of insurgents, the arrest of suspected collaborators and gunrunners, and the rescue of several abducted women and children.
One of the most dramatic operations occurred on May 23 in Borno State when troops foiled a mass abduction along the Buratai–Kamuya Road. Soldiers pursued fleeing terrorists into the Mangari-Dora axis and rescued all 92 kidnapped victims, including women and children, while also recovering abandoned vehicles and safely detonating improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers.
Troops also repelled multiple terrorist assaults on military bases in Borno and Yobe States, recovering sophisticated weapons and ammunition despite suffering casualties among personnel.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded major gains against armed bandits and terrorists in Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto States. Troops neutralised several terrorists during coordinated ground and air offensives, rescued dozens of kidnapped victims, and arrested a notorious gunrunner linked to wanted bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.
The military said air strikes in Zamfara inflicted heavy casualties on terrorist camps, while a raid in Katsina State led to the rescue of 32 kidnap victims, including women and children, from a fortified enclave.
Operations across the North Central region also yielded significant breakthroughs. Troops dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Plateau State where suspects were caught producing fabricated AK-47 rifles and other weapons.
Security forces further intercepted arms traffickers, rescued kidnapped civilians, and raided criminal hideouts across Nasarawa, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, and Niger States.
In Abuja, a joint security operation in the Hutu community of Lugbe led to the arrest of 61 criminal suspects, alongside the recovery of firearms, motorcycles, and communication equipment.
The military also intensified anti-oil theft operations in the South South region under Operation DELTA SAFE. Troops uncovered illegal refining sites, intercepted vehicles transporting stolen fuel in Rivers State, and dismantled criminal camps linked to pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
In Edo State, security operatives rescued kidnap victims during a series of raids that led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the destruction of their hideouts.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on suspected IPOB/ESN elements and criminal gangs in the South East. Several suspects were arrested during operations in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States, while kidnapped victims were rescued from forest hideouts.
The Defence Headquarters also revealed that 18 terrorists surrendered during the period, an indication, according to military authorities, that sustained pressure on insurgent groups is weakening their operational strength and morale.
Beyond combat operations, the military said it expanded civil-military humanitarian efforts, including free medical outreach programmes in Borno State and the distribution of 400 bags of fertiliser to farming communities in Zamfara State ahead of the planting season.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their “gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice” while urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.