The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have neutralised more than 50 terrorists, rescued scores of kidnapped victims and arrested 50 suspected terrorists, collaborators and logistics suppliers during military operations across the country between October 30 and November 5, 2026.
The operations, conducted across the six geopolitical zones, also led to the recovery of several weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other items used by criminal groups.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement detailing the military’s operational activities for the period.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI repelled terrorist attacks on military positions at Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and Bitta in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
Following the attack on Buni Yadi, troops recovered 48 terrorist bodies, 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.
At Bitta, troops recovered seven terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio after repelling an attempted infiltration.
The military also recorded the surrender of 12 terrorist fighters and family members at different locations in Borno State between November 2 and 4.
Onoja said troops rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains and arrested 50 suspected terrorists, collaborators and logistics suppliers during the period.
He added that troops, working with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, arrested 36 suspects during search operations at several motor parks in Maiduguri on November 5 to disrupt terrorist supply networks.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 18 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Seven victims were rescued after troops responded to a distress call in Ribah, Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, while four others were abandoned by fleeing terrorists following an ambush along the Wasagu-Falfala Road.
Another seven kidnapped victims were rescued during operations around Geso and Ayan Geso in Maru LGA of Zamfara State.
Troops also arrested two suspects linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in Kaduna State, as well as a suspected terrorist who reportedly sought treatment for gunshot wounds at a clinic in Kagarko LGA.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensified operations against kidnappers and armed gangs in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.
The operations led to the recovery of 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles and a mobile phone from a criminal hideout in Edimogbo Forest.
Two suspected kidnappers were subsequently neutralised on November 3, with troops recovering two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.
Another operation at Obele Forest on November 4 resulted in the neutralisation of three kidnappers and the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of ammunition and three bandoliers.
Troops also rescued six civilians, including a baby, following a response to a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State.
The military further arrested a wanted member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Takum LGA of Taraba State, while a suspected gunrunner was apprehended in Gboko LGA of Benue State.
In Kogi State, a terrorist, his wife and two children surrendered to troops at Atsawa in Lokoja LGA, citing sustained military offensives against criminal camps in Agbaja and Kakanda forests.
Similarly, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 15 kidnapped victims during an encounter with bandits around Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora LGA of Niger State on November 5.
The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG bombs, 33 motorcycles, N4.105 million and ammunition during the operation.
In Kwara State, troops and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria neutralised two suspected Ansaru terrorists following an ambush at Nanu Village in Kaiama LGA.
Three other kidnap victims who escaped from their captors were also recovered during a separate operation in Lema-Ndeji Forest in Edu LGA.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA rescued a kidnapping victim following an attack by gunmen on a compound at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.
At Otuocha in Anambra East LGA, troops recovered a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges during a search of a shop near the Marine Outpost.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, resilience and sacrifices across the various theatres of operation.
He also paid tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives in the course of operations, assuring their families that their sacrifices would remain indelible in the nation’s memory.
The CDS appreciated the contributions of other security agencies and called for sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated operational planning to consolidate the gains recorded.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through the nearest military formation or the toll-free emergency line 193.
Oluyede also cautioned citizens against providing logistics support to criminals, engaging in mob action or spreading misinformation and disinformation.
He reaffirmed the military’s determination to sustain its operations until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.
