The Defence Headquarters says Nigerian troops have recorded significant gains in ongoing internal security operations across the country, killing 16 terrorists, arresting 14 suspects and logistics couriers, and rescuing 63 kidnapped victims within one week.
The operations, carried out between May 8 and 14, 2026, also led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics supplies across the North East, North West, and North Central regions.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed the development, noting that three soldiers were killed during intense encounters with terrorists.
In the North East, troops ambushed a terrorist logistics convoy along the Banki–Kumshe Road in Borno State, intercepting fighters crossing from Cameroon and forcing them to abandon supplies including food, fuel, medical items, motorcycle parts, and communication equipment.
On the same day in Yobe State, troops repelled a coordinated multi-wave attack on their position at Buni Gari in Gujba Local Government Area. Five terrorists, including a foreign fighter, were killed in the firefight.
Weapons recovered included a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), AK-47 rifles, an RPG launcher with explosives, and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition. Three soldiers lost their lives during the operation.
In the North West, troops in Kaduna State arrested a suspected terrorist in Damari, Birnin Gwari, found with an AK-47 magazine, mobile phones, and images linking him to armed groups disguised in police uniforms.
In Katsina State, troops killed two terrorists during an operation around Dikawa village in Matazu Local Government Area. Several weapons were recovered, including rifles, a grenade device, and multiple motorcycles used for mobility.
The Defence Headquarters said 32 kidnapped victims, including women and children, were rescued in separate operations, alongside recovered livestock taken by criminal groups.
In the North Central region, troops rescued a senior police officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Usman Ogbobi, and another victim in Benue State following a kidnapping incident along the Ochumekwu–Ugbogi axis.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, while paying tribute to the fallen soldiers.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defeating terrorism, banditry, and separatist violence nationwide, urging commanders to sustain operational pressure and prioritise troop welfare and civilian protection.
The Defence Headquarters also called on residents to support ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to enhance security efforts across affected regions.
