The Defence Headquarters has announced major successes recorded by Nigerian troops across different parts of the country, including the rescue of hundreds of abducted civilians and the arrest of suspected terrorists, informants and logistics suppliers.
Speaking during a briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the achievements were recorded between June 4 and June 11, 2026, through coordinated military operations conducted across multiple theatres.
According to him, the operations reflect the determination of the Armed Forces to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt criminal activities and improve security nationwide.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters through clearance operations, fighting patrols and targeted raids across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
One of the most significant breakthroughs came on June 6 when troops carried out a major multi-directional operation in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno State.
The operation led to the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who had been held captive since an attack on Ngoshe community in March 2026.
Military authorities disclosed that two infants died during the evacuation due to the harsh terrain, while the remaining 358 survivors were taken to a hospital in Gwoza for medical treatment before being handed over to appropriate authorities.
Troops also rescued several other abductees who escaped from terrorist camps following sustained military bombardments in the Mandara Mountains.
Among them was an eight-year-old boy, Ali Musa, who successfully escaped from a terrorist enclave in Gwoza.
The military further recorded successes in disrupting terrorist logistics networks.
Several suspected informants and suppliers were arrested in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, while troops recovered communication equipment, narcotics, chemicals, cash and other items allegedly intended for terrorist groups.
On June 11, troops in Mallam Fatori reportedly repelled an attack on a military position, forcing the attackers to retreat and abandon weapons and ammunition.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma continued operations against terrorists and bandits in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including a man identified as Mallam Mustapha Abubakar, who is believed to be involved in arms trafficking.
The military also reported progress in the North-Central region, where troops under Operation Savannah Shield arrested a suspected high-value terrorist informant in Niger State following intelligence-led operations.
Similar security operations were conducted under Operation Enduring Peace, Operation Delta Safe and Operation Udo Ka across other parts of the country.
In the South-East, the military said troops of Operation Udo Ka recorded significant successes in ongoing operations targeting criminal groups, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Major General Onoja said the Armed Forces remain committed to sustaining pressure on criminal groups across the country.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended troops for their courage, professionalism and dedication in carrying out the operations.
The military assured Nigerians that ongoing operations would continue until terrorist groups, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements are neutralised and peace is restored to affected communities.
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