By KatsinaTimes
Abuja, April 10, 2026 —
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have neutralised more than 40 terrorists, rescued at least 72 kidnapped victims, and recovered a large cache of arms and illicit materials in coordinated operations across the country within one week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during a weekly operational briefing in Abuja, covering activities from April 3 to April 9.
He said troops also dismantled illegal refinery sites, foiled several planned attacks, and disrupted terrorist logistics networks across multiple theatres of operation.
In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno State, particularly in Dikwa and Benisheikh, using sustained artillery and mortar firepower.
Onoja said an ambush operation in Gwoza led to the killing of a terrorist and the recovery of ammunition and logistics supplies. However, he confirmed that troops came under heavy attack in Benisheikh, resulting in the death of four personnel, including a Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. O.O. Braimah.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 49 kidnapped victims, including infants, and arrested suspected collaborators linked to notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro.
He added that troops repelled attacks and recovered weapons in Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States, while responding swiftly to distress calls to prevent escalation of violence.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation Enduring Peace neutralised several terrorists, including 10 in a major encounter in Plateau State, and rescued 21 kidnapped victims during clearance operations. They also destroyed criminal camps, recovered weapons, and arrested suspects linked to killings and cattle rustling in Benue and Plateau.
Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operation Savannah Shield repelled an attack in Kwara State without casualties, maintaining operational dominance in the area.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka recovered improvised explosive devices and arrested suspected collaborators of IPOB/ESN in Abia and Anambra States. A joint operation in Imo State also led to the killing of a terrorist and the destruction of a major camp.
Similarly, in the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intercepted stolen petroleum products, dismantled illegal bunkering facilities, and recovered arms in Delta and Rivers States. They also rescued kidnapped victims and recovered ransom money during anti-kidnapping operations in Delta.
Onoja assured Nigerians that the military would sustain intensified operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting lives and critical infrastructure nationwide.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had commiserated with families of fallen soldiers, assuring that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
According to him, ongoing operations would be intensified in honour of the fallen troops and to ensure lasting peace and security across the country.
