By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers and secessionist elements across the country, disrupting criminal networks, destroying terrorist camps, recovering weapons and ammunition, and rescuing scores of abducted civilians.
The latest operations, conducted between August 31 and September 3, 2026, also resulted in the neutralisation of terrorist commanders and fighters, arrests of suspected informants and logistics suppliers, as well as the surrender of terrorist fighters and their families in the North-East.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the ongoing military operations across the various theatres of operation.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained sustained pressure on terrorist elements in Borno and Yobe states, engaging fighters, disrupting their logistics networks and exploiting divisions within terrorist enclaves.
Onoja said troops encountered a command-detonated Improvised Explosive Device along the Miyanti-Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on September 1, where a terrorist was neutralised and a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator recovered.
He said troops also ambushed terrorists at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, neutralising another fighter and recovering a rifle and ammunition.
Beyond the battlefield engagements, troops recorded developments suggesting growing pressure within terrorist-controlled territories.
Onoja said troops intercepted an escapee around Sabsawa in Bama who had fled terrorist captivity because of hunger and hardship, while another suspect was arrested in Konduga Local Government Area while allegedly transporting foodstuffs to a terrorist enclave in Bama.
He added that troops also arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant at Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area.
The military spokesman said several terrorist fighters surrendered to troops between September 1 and 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were arrested across the theatre.
A particularly notable development occurred at Mafa in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, where women and children surrendered to troops, citing clashes between rival terrorist factions within the Yaganari enclave.
Another person who escaped terrorist captivity was intercepted near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza Local Government Area, while troops later arrested a suspected terrorist spy along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road in Kukawa Local Government Area.
According to Onoja, all surrendered persons and rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities.
In the North-West, troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA stepped up operations against terrorist kingpins and their logistics networks across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
At Kogo Village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts and neutralised two suspected terrorist kingpins.
One other terrorist reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, while two motorcycles were destroyed during the operation.
In Kaduna State, troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage Village in Giwa Local Government Area and recovered a large quantity of ammunition concealed inside a sack of grain.
The suspect reportedly attempted to flee but was neutralised.
The offensive continued along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis of Zamfara State, where troops ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof.
A rocket-propelled grenade launcher, rifle, ammunition and other items were recovered during the engagement, while several terrorists were neutralised.
The military also recorded significant successes in its effort to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across the North-West.
Onoja said troops responding to a distress call rescued abducted victims transiting from Ayu Market at Mehinua Village in Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
In Zamfara, troops rescued several civilians, including women and children, on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka Local Government Area after they had reportedly spent about three weeks in captivity.
The victims were evacuated for medical attention.
Troops also rescued abducted victims along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
In Sokoto, clearance operations were intensified across several forest locations in Tangaza Local Government Area, leading to the discovery and destruction of a terrorist camp in Bilange Forest.
Military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle were recovered from the camp.
Working alongside local security groups, troops also recovered a locally fabricated rifle concealed under shrubs near Maikujera Village in Rabah Local Government Area.
The weapon was believed to have been abandoned by terrorists following an earlier ambush on troops.
In the North-Central, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other armed criminal elements in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.
Onoja said troops on patrol along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State encountered suspected terrorists on a motorcycle.
One was neutralised while the other escaped, with troops recovering a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and assorted charms.
In Kogi State, troops also forced kidnappers to abandon two women they had abducted from Ajodomodo Village in Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims were abandoned unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest and subsequently recovered.
In Taraba State, troops conducted a clearance operation at Peva in Takum Local Government Area, targeting the hideout of a wanted gang leader.
The operation led to the arrest of members of the gang and recovery of ammunition and other items, while troops continued efforts to apprehend the wanted leader.
Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops arrested a suspected kidnapper informant at Sabon Gida Village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The suspect was being interrogated to establish his alleged links with the kidnapping network and identify other members still at large.
In Niger State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued kidnap victims from their farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga Local Government Area.
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