Troops rescue abductees across multiple theatres of operation as the Armed Forces recorded significant successes against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities nationwide. The Defence Headquarters disclosed that troops rescued 388 kidnapped victims, arrested 31 terrorists and collaborators, and neutralised 10 terrorists during operations conducted between June 4 and June 11, 2026.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, announced the operational update in Abuja, highlighting gains recorded across the North West, North East, North Central, South South and South East regions.
In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma intensified operations against terrorist networks operating in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.
On June 5, troops operating a checkpoint along the Gusau-Shinkafi route intercepted a vehicle carrying a locally fabricated 9mm pistol, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition and other weapons concealed inside a sack of millet. The suspect, identified as Mallam Mustapha Abubakar, was arrested and later led troops to the alleged recipient in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
Further operations in Birnin Magaji and Maru Local Government Areas of Zamfara State led to the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of eight suspected members and recovery of motorcycles, communication gadgets, camouflage uniforms and military-style boots. Security forces also destroyed a shop allegedly linked to terrorist logistics activities. Troops additionally repelled attacks in Kanoma District and recovered weapons, ammunition and motorcycles used by fleeing criminals.
The most significant breakthrough occurred in Borno State, where troops rescue abductees during a coordinated multi-axis offensive in the Mandara Mountains.
According to the Defence Headquarters, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted intensive raids that disrupted Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds. The operation resulted in the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who had remained in captivity since the March 3 attack on Ngoshe community.
Military authorities disclosed that two infants died due to the harsh terrain during evacuation efforts, while 358 survivors were safely transported to Gwoza General Hospital for treatment and rehabilitation before being reunited with local authorities. Separate clearance operations in Gwoza also led to the recovery of several women and children who escaped terrorist camps following sustained military bombardment.
Troops further arrested terrorist informants and logistics suppliers across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Recovered items included food supplies, communication equipment, illicit drugs, agrochemicals and cash allegedly intended for terrorist groups. A 20-year-old suspected terrorist, Fannami Ali, voluntarily surrendered in Monguno with personal belongings and cash.
In Niger State, troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested several suspected terrorist informants following intelligence-driven operations. One suspect reportedly possessed digital materials linked to extremist propaganda, while others were found with communication devices and cash.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace conducted successful rescue missions in Plateau State after responding to reports of road blockages by kidnappers. Six abducted passengers were rescued along the Hawan Kibo-Rafin Sayin road. Additional operations led to the arrest of suspected informants and wanted kidnappers in Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas. Security personnel recovered firearms, mobile devices and cash believed to be connected to kidnapping activities.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke maintained pressure on criminal groups across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states. In Benue, soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and motorcycles after engaging suspected cattle rustlers. Other operations forced armed groups to abandon weapons and criminal materials while fleeing military advances.
In Kogi State, troops rescued 13 passengers after responding to an attack on commercial vehicles along the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road. Another operation led to the rescue of two kidnap victims who had been abducted in Ijumu Local Government Area. Security personnel also arrested a suspected IPOB member and recovered documents, charms, communication devices and cash.
The Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained the fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities. Operations conducted in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Edo states uncovered illegal siphoning facilities, stolen petroleum products and illegal refining infrastructure.
Security forces recovered approximately 1,200 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel in Akwa Ibom and dismantled facilities used for crude oil theft in Rivers and Delta states. In Edo State, troops arrested five suspected kidnappers who allegedly confessed to participating in abduction activities over the past two years.
In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka conducted intelligence-led raids against criminal groups and suspected IPOB/ESN operatives.
Security personnel arrested suspects in Abia and Enugu states while recovering weapons including AK-47 rifles, a General Purpose Machine Gun, RPG-7 launcher, hand grenades, ammunition and military-style uniforms. Authorities said follow-up operations significantly weakened the operational capabilities of the suspected separatist network. Troops also uncovered a suspected arms depot disguised as a piggery in Enugu State.
In Imo State, security personnel destroyed large quantities of suspected stolen crude oil and petroleum products recovered from an illegal storage facility. Meanwhile, in Ebonyi State, troops recovered a locally made pistol, live ammunition, foreign currency and N1.8 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities after arresting armed robbery suspects.
The Defence Headquarters said the nationwide operations demonstrate the military’s commitment to combating terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, oil theft and other criminal activities. Military authorities noted that troops rescue abductees and dismantle criminal networks through intelligence-driven operations, coordinated patrols and joint security efforts across the country.
The DHQ added that the latest achievements reflect sustained pressure on terrorist groups and criminal syndicates, while reaffirming the Armed Forces’ determination to protect citizens and restore peace nationwide. As security operations continue, troops rescue abductees and maintain offensives aimed at denying criminal groups freedom of movement and operational capacity across all theatres.
