Troops Decimate 317 Terrorists, Rescue 221 Victims in May — DHQ
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ on Tuesday said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised 317 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects, and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians during coordinated operations across the country in May 2026.
The military also disclosed that 18 terrorists surrendered to troops, while 93 weapons were recovered in operations conducted across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East theatres.
Addressing journalists during a monthly operational briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the Armed Forces sustained “unrelenting and comprehensive offensives” against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and separatist groups throughout the month.
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According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states, where 73 insurgents were neutralised, 159 arrested and 112 civilians rescued.
Onoja stated that troops repelled several terrorist attacks, dismantled logistics routes and rescued abducted women and children during operations in Bama, Damboa, Gwoza and Magumeri Local Government Areas of Borno State.
He added that troops also intercepted a terrorist logistics convoy along the Banki-Kumshe Road and recovered fuel, medications, motorcycle parts and other supplies allegedly meant for insurgents.
“In one of the most decisive operations, troops at Magumeri repelled a coordinated ISWAP assault mounted under poor visibility. Scores of terrorists were neutralised while weapons, including PKT anti-aircraft guns and AK-47 rifles, were recovered,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ further disclosed that troops rescued 92 kidnapped commuters along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Borno State after pursuing terrorists who had ambushed travellers.
The military spokesman said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma also intensified operations against bandits in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states, neutralising 24 terrorists, arresting 13 suspects and rescuing 22 civilians.
He said troops, supported by air components, foiled attacks on military bases and recovered arms, motorcycles and ammunition from terrorists during operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.
Onoja revealed that a major gunrunner linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji was arrested in Katsina State.
In the North-Central, troops of Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke carried out operations across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.
The operations led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, arms traffickers and terrorist collaborators, while several kidnapped victims were rescued.
The DHQ particularly outlined the dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where troops recovered fabricated AK-47 rifles, firearm components and industrial equipment.
“Quick Reaction Force troops raided two active illegal firearm production sites in Vom and arrested five suspects involved in the manufacture of weapons,” Onoja stated.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 14 suspects linked to kidnapping and crude oil theft activities across Edo, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The military said three illegal refining sites were destroyed while 21,910 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during anti-oil theft operations.
Onoja also disclosed that troops intercepted vehicles allegedly modified for illegal fuel transportation near the Eleme Petrochemical Company in Rivers State.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested 60 suspected members and collaborators of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network.
He said troops rescued 18 civilians and recovered weapons, illegal currency notes and other items during operations in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo states.
The military also announced that non-kinetic operations were sustained during the period, including medical outreach programmes in Maiduguri and the donation of 400 bags of fertiliser to farmers in Zamfara State.
Speaking on the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had directed increased deployment of troops and aerial surveillance assets to the affected areas.
He assured residents that security forces would sustain operations until those responsible were apprehended.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the country and safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians,” Onoja added.
