By Maryam Aminu
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded sweeping operational gains across the country, eliminating a top Boko Haram commander, rescuing kidnapped victims, dismantling terrorist networks, arresting scores of criminal collaborators, and destroying illegal oil refining sites in coordinated military operations carried out between July 17 and July 23, 2026.
The nationwide offensive, which cut across all operational theatres, underscores the military’s renewed push to degrade terrorist groups, kidnappers, separatist agitators, militias and crude oil thieves while securing major highways, rail corridors and critical national assets.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the achievements during the weekly operational briefing on Friday, saying troops maintained sustained pressure on criminal elements through intelligence-led ground and air operations across the country.
A major highlight of the operations was recorded in the North East, where troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised Abu Salim Al-Barnawi, identified as a senior Boko Haram commander and the group’s propaganda chief, during a failed terrorist attack on Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military described the development as a significant setback to the insurgents’ command structure and information network.
In another decisive strike, the Nigerian Army Aviation bombarded terrorist positions in Yaganari, Bama Local Government Area, killing scores of ISWAP/JAS fighters, while troops successfully foiled an attempted infiltration of the University of Maiduguri, killing two terrorists and reinforcing security around the institution.
The operations also led to the destruction of terrorist camps and hideouts across Borno and Yobe States, while troops rescued several victims, including a mother and her two children alongside two young girls who had been held captive since August 2025.
Military operations further resulted in the arrest of suspected ISWAP members, logistics suppliers, collaborators, a terrorist kingpin, a foreign fighter from Sudan, an illegal immigrant from Ghana, a female terrorist collaborator and several suspected kidnappers across the North East.
In the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations against terrorist groups operating in Kaduna and Zamfara States.
The troops arrested suspected collaborators who allegedly supplied logistics, facilitated ransom payments and provided intelligence to terrorist groups.
Security forces also repelled attacks on communities, recovered arms and ammunition, and rescued 11 passengers abducted after terrorists blocked the Gummi-Sokoto Road in Zamfara State.
Among those arrested was Mr Abubakar Tanimu, who is alleged to have played key roles in ransom collection, sale of rustled cattle, harbouring terrorists and identifying targets for criminal attacks.
In Kwara State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, working with local vigilantes and forest guards, stormed kidnappers’ hideouts in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing four suspected kidnappers, rescuing one victim and arresting two suspects who have since been handed over to the police.
Meanwhile, Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained efforts to curb militia violence in Plateau State, recovering weapons from criminal hideouts and engaging armed attackers during clashes in Riyom Local Government Area, forcing them to retreat after intense fighting.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also recorded significant successes across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi States by rescuing kidnapped victims, neutralising terrorists, arresting militia members, logistics suppliers and informants, while recovering several assault rifles, pistols and large quantities of ammunition during clearance operations.
The military also sustained pressure on crude oil thieves in the Niger Delta through Operation DELTA SAFE, dismantling multiple illegal refining sites and bunkering camps in Rivers State.
Working in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tantita Security Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, troops recovered thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, destroyed illegal refining infrastructure and intercepted six vehicles conveying products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
Several suspects linked to oil theft, gun running and kidnapping activities were also arrested in Rivers and Edo States.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested three suspected IPOB/ESN members during intelligence-led operations in Enugu State.
The troops also raided a suspected criminal hideout along the Omoku-Ogbaku-Ndoni axis in Rivers State, recovering rifles and ammunition believed to have been used for kidnappings and attacks on security personnel.
Speaking on the overall outcome of the operations, Major General Michael Onoja said the achievements reflect the Armed Forces’ growing operational effectiveness and commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the country.
He reaffirmed that troops remain determined to sustain offensive operations until terrorists, kidnappers, militias, oil thieves and other criminal elements are completely degraded.
The Defence Headquarters also appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the country.
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