By Dr Emmanuel Daudu Ph.D
Abuja, July 31, 2026 – The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded another significant milestone in the country’s ongoing war against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other violent crimes, neutralising over 102 terrorists and criminal elements, rescuing 393 kidnapped victims, arresting 345 suspects and recovering large caches of weapons and ammunition during coordinated nationwide military operations in July 2026.
The remarkable achievements were unveiled on Friday during the monthly operational briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, AFM.
According to the military, troops operating across all theatres of operations maintained sustained offensive pressure against terrorists, kidnappers, armed militias, secessionist groups, sea pirates, oil thieves and other criminal networks, resulting in the rescue of hundreds of abducted victims and the dismantling of several criminal enclaves across the country.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Bauchi States, eliminating 54 terrorists, arresting 102 insurgents and rescuing 102 kidnapped victims.
Among the major breakthroughs was the killing of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, described as a senior ISWAP commander and propaganda chief, during a fierce military engagement in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military offensives also forced dozens of terrorists and their family members to surrender, including a senior ISWAP finance operative who voluntarily surrendered alongside weapons, ammunition, cash and two children after sustained military bombardments weakened the insurgents’ operational capacity.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi States recorded another impressive outing by rescuing 191 kidnapped victims while neutralising 33 terrorists and arresting 66 criminal suspects.
Military operations successfully foiled several mass abduction attempts, rescued a local government chairman’s family, secured the release of dozens of kidnapped commuters and prevented terrorists from consolidating control in several communities.
Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE collectively recorded significant victories against terrorists, armed militias and kidnappers operating across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau and Taraba States.
Notably, troops neutralised notorious terrorist kingpin Puuga in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, dismantled several criminal camps, arrested dozens of militia members and rescued numerous kidnapped civilians.
The military equally intercepted arms traffickers, recovered sophisticated weapons and destroyed terrorist hideouts used as operational bases for kidnapping and violent attacks.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained relentless operations against economic saboteurs, dismantling 18 illegal refining sites while recovering over 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Several notorious kidnapping syndicates were also dismantled in Edo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States as troops arrested multiple suspects and rescued dozens of kidnapped victims during coordinated land and maritime operations.
Military operations under Operation UDO KA in the South-East also yielded positive results with the arrest of 26 criminal suspects linked to separatist activities, gunrunning and kidnapping.
Troops recovered several assault rifles, pump-action guns, ammunition and other military hardware while dismantling illegal bunkering facilities and criminal hideouts across Abia, Imo, Enugu and Rivers States.
The Air Component of the Armed Forces complemented ground troops through precision air strikes and intelligence-driven operations that eliminated terrorist formations in Niger State while enabling kidnapped victims to escape from captivity.
According to the military, precision surveillance and coordinated strikes significantly degraded terrorist movements and operational capabilities during the month under review.
Beyond combat operations, the Armed Forces continued implementing Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects across several states, including the construction of boreholes, schools, transformers, town halls and mediation initiatives aimed at promoting peace and strengthening relationships with host communities.
Troops also participated in humanitarian interventions, including cholera response activities in Borno State and community engagement programmes designed to foster public confidence and cooperation.
Commending troops for their courage and professionalism, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, praised the synergy among the Armed Forces, other security agencies and local vigilante groups, noting that their collaboration continues to produce tangible results against criminal elements nationwide.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to protecting lives, safeguarding national assets and ensuring that terrorism, kidnapping, separatist violence and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated.
The military also urged Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence through military formations and the toll-free emergency line 193, assuring citizens that all information received would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
Africa Security Investigation News 