By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained nationwide offensives against terrorists and criminal networks, neutralising at least 29 insurgents and rescuing multiple kidnapped victims across different theatres of operation within one week.
However, the military also confirmed the loss of one personnel during the operations, underscoring the continuing human cost of the counter-insurgency campaign.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the ongoing military operations covering April 17 to 23, 2026.
According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded the most significant engagement when they repelled a terrorist attack on Kukareta along the Maiduguri–Damaturu Road in Yobe State, killing 21 insurgents and recovering a large cache of weapons, including 12 AK-47 rifles, a General Purpose Machine Gun, a PKT machine gun, and a rocket-propelled grenade tube.
He added that earlier encounters across Borno and Yobe states led to the neutralisation of additional terrorists, bringing the total number killed in the North-East theatre to 28 within the period under review.
“Troops demonstrated commendable professionalism, resilience, and resolute commitment to the protection of lives and critical national infrastructure,” Onoja said, noting that the operations were intelligence-driven and coordinated across formations.
Beyond combat operations, troops also rescued nine captives who escaped from terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains, while further attempts by insurgents to recapture them were repelled.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised one terrorist in Kaduna State, rescued three kidnapped victims, and dismantled terrorist camps, while also intercepting a suspected courier transporting improvised explosive device materials.
Similarly, operations in the North-Central under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke led to multiple arrests of suspected terrorists, collaborators, and arms couriers, alongside the rescue of several kidnapped victims in Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi states.
In Benue State alone, troops rescued at least 18 kidnapped persons in separate operations, including victims abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe rescued kidnap victims in Edo State and intercepted 1,350 litres of illegally refined diesel in Akwa Ibom State.
Operations in the South-East also yielded results, with troops arresting suspected members of IPOB/ESN, including individuals linked to attacks on police personnel.
Despite the successes, the military announced the death of Corporal Abubakar Sadiq, who was killed by Boko Haram terrorists during the operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their dedication while mourning the fallen soldier.
“His courage, resilience, and devotion to duty embody the finest ideals of the Armed Forces. His sacrifice will forever be honoured and remembered,” the statement read.
The military urged the public to continue providing credible intelligence while calling on the media to support national security efforts through responsible reporting.
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