The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria, declaring that sustained military operations across the country are steadily weakening terrorist and criminal networks.
According to the military high command, ongoing joint operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) demonstrate strong combat effectiveness, operational readiness, and rising troop morale across all geopolitical zones.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the DHQ said coordinated offensives conducted between May 28 and June 4, 2026, targeted insurgents, kidnappers, economic saboteurs, and cross-border arms traffickers.
The operations involved land patrols, intelligence-led raids, and air support, resulting in arrests, rescues, and the neutralisation of several criminal elements.
Major Gains in the North-East
Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops recorded multiple breakthroughs across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and parts of Bauchi State.
On May 30, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in Biu, Borno State, who allegedly confessed to receiving AK-47 rifles from neutralised terrorists and using them for kidnappings and cattle rustling across several communities.
Another suspect, identified as a terrorist collaborator, was also arrested in Damasak Central Ward, Gubio LGA.
Troops further encountered individuals fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP camps in Kukawa LGA, recovering ammunition, a solar panel, and mobile devices linked to terrorist activity.
Additional arrests and interceptions were recorded in Yobe and Adamawa States, including suspected informants and collaborators linked to past attacks.
On June 4, troops neutralised a terrorist in Wulgo, Ngala LGA, and rescued escapees from terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains, who were later reunited with families in IDP camps.
North-West Operations Intensify
Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops maintained pressure on bandit networks across Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.
On May 28, troops responded to a distress call in Faskari, Katsina State, neutralising two terrorists and recovering weapons.
By June 3, operations in Zurmi and Birnin Magaji (Zamfara State) led to the killing of a bandit and destruction of criminal hideouts.
A major disruption was recorded in Gusau LGA, where troops foiled a mass kidnapping attempt, forcing criminals to abandon weapons and flee.
On June 4, security forces arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Makarfi, Kaduna State, while another operation at a Shinkafi market in Zamfara led to the arrest of a notorious terrorist kingpin hiding among traders.
DHQ: “Nigeria Is Winning the Fight”
The Defence Headquarters said these operations reflect a consistent degradation of terrorist capabilities and criminal logistics networks, adding that troops remain committed to ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide.
It assured Nigerians that ongoing joint military actions will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement and operational space.
As security operations intensify, the DHQ maintained a firm message:
Nigeria’s armed forces are determined to restore lasting peace and security across all regions.
