Abu Salim Al-Barnawi Killed as Military Intensifies Nationwide Operations

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Defence Headquarters says troops have recorded significant gains in ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations across the country, including the killing of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of suspected criminal collaborators and recovery of weapons. The operations, conducted across various theatres between 17 and 23 July 2026, also targeted crude oil theft, illegal refining and other criminal activities.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement to the press stating that troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East sustained operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, including foiling an attempted infiltration of the University of Maiduguri on 17 July, during which two terrorists were killed. The military also reported that senior terrorist commander and propaganda chief, Abu Salim Al-Barnawi, was killed during an earlier operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, while air strikes in Bama reportedly eliminated scores of terrorists.

Onoja said troops also rescued several kidnapped victims and arrested suspected terrorists, kidnappers, informants and logistics suppliers across Borno, Yobe and Bauchi states. In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested suspected terrorist collaborators in Kaduna State, recovered weapons and ammunition and rescued 11 abducted passengers after confronting terrorists who had blocked the Gummi-Sokoto Road in Zamfara State. Operations in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi and Taraba states also resulted in the killing and arrest of suspected kidnappers and armed criminals, as well as the rescue of abducted persons.

In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered several illegal refining and bunkering sites in Rivers State, recovering thousands of litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products. Security forces also intercepted six vehicles allegedly conveying stolen crude oil around Eleme Refinery and arrested five suspects. In Edo State, joint security operations following a kidnapping incident led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and arms supplier alongside two other suspects. Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested three suspects during an intelligence-led operation in Enugu State and recovered rifles and ammunition from a suspected criminal hideout along the Omoku-Ogbaku-Ndoni axis.

The Defence Headquarters said the operations demonstrate the military’s determination to degrade terrorist, kidnapping, militia and other criminal networks across the country. Onoja assured Nigerians that troops would maintain the tempo of operations to protect lives and property and restore security, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information on suspicious activities.