DHQ: Troops Intensify Offensive, Neutralise Terrorists Across Regions
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ said troops deployed across various theatres of operation have neutralised scores of terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims and dismantled illegal arms networks between April 30 and May 7, 2026, as military operations intensified nationwide.
This was disclosed on Thursday in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
According to the statement, troops under Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP fighters across Borno, Adamawa, Taraba and Yobe states, recording several operational successes.
The military said, “On 30 April 2026, a night ambush in Bama LGA of Borno State resulted in the neutralisation of four terrorists, with an AK-47 rifle and associated ammunition recovered at the scene.”
It added that troops in Gwoza Local Government Area rescued six women and children abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community in March, while three repentant terrorists surrendered in Geidam, Yobe State.
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The statement further revealed that troops foiled an attempted ISWAP attack on a military base in Magumeri, Borno State, on May 7, killing several insurgents and recovering weapons.
“Exploitation of the area revealed extensive blood trails and several terrorist corpses confirming heavy casualties inflicted on the terrorists,” the military stated, noting, however, that two soldiers died during the encounter.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma reportedly killed several bandits in Katsina and Zamfara states during clearance and fighting patrols.
The military disclosed that troops responding to an attack on the Forward Operating Base in Bagega, Zamfara State, received reinforcement and close air support from Super Tucano aircraft and surveillance platforms deployed from Kainji.
“Coordinated air strikes were executed, and a follow-up ground exploitation confirmed the neutralisation of three additional terrorists, with four motorcycles and an AK-47 rifle recovered,” the statement added.
It, however, confirmed that one soldier was killed during the operation.
In Kwara State, troops under Operation Savannah Shield reportedly rescued four kidnapped victims in Edu Local Government Area after responding to a distress call from Guye Doko village.
The military said two of the rescued victims sustained injuries and were evacuated for treatment.
It added that troops also arrested seven suspected kidnappers in Baruten Local Government Area, recovering locally fabricated firearms during the operation.
Meanwhile, troops under Operation Enduring Peace, operating across Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, intercepted a suspect along the Abaji-Kwali road in Abuja with 250 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition hidden inside a vehicle engine compartment.
The military also announced the dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to the statement, troops raided two illegal factories in Vom community and arrested five suspects allegedly caught producing firearms.
Items recovered included “nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, seven AK-47 skeletons, four recoiling springs, four revolver engines, and an array of industrial drilling, filing, and welding machines.”
In Kogi State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued kidnapped victims and intercepted suspected ammunition couriers.
The military disclosed that troops rescued the remaining pupils abducted from Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage on April 27 after intercepting them inside the Agbaja Forest in Lokoja Local Government Area.
It said the rescued victims comprised “five boys, two girls, and two adult women.”
Similarly, troops arrested a suspect allegedly transporting 500 rounds of belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize along the Obajana-Lokoja road.
“The suspect confessed to routinely transporting arms and ammunition for terrorist groups along the River Niger corridor,” the military said.
In Edo State, troops under Operation Delta Safe reportedly rescued several kidnap victims during raids and patrols across Owan East and Esan South-East local government areas.
The military also said a joint operation involving troops, the police, vigilantes and hunters led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers in Ukpaja community.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
The military said the suspect was found with illegal Biafran currency notes, which it described as evidence of “continued, albeit diminishing, efforts of the proscribed organisation to sustain a separatist financial infrastructure within the region.”
The Armed Forces acknowledged that security challenges persist across parts of the country but insisted that troops remained committed to restoring peace and stability.
“The AFN is a professional, non-partisan, and dedicated national institution, committed to operating within the bounds of the rule of law,” the statement read.
It added, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never abandon you. We will not stand down until every Nigerian can live freely, safely, and with dignity in the land of their birth.”
