Coordinated Military Strikes Free 73, Disrupt Terror Operations Nationwide

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

A total of 73 kidnapped victims were rescued while 24 terrorists were neutralised by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) during nationwide operations conducted between April 3 and 9, 2026. The operations, carried out across multiple theatres, also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, and disruption of terrorist logistics networks.

According to a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military recorded sustained successes through coordinated kinetic operations, intelligence-led missions, and collaboration with other security agencies, resulting in foiled attacks, arrests of suspects, and the rescue of civilians held captive by terrorist and criminal elements.

In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai troops repelled terrorist advances in Borno State, neutralised insurgents, and disrupted logistics movements, although an attack in Benisheikh claimed the lives of Brigadier General O.O. Braimah and three other personnel. In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops neutralised terrorists, arrested suspects, and rescued 49 kidnapped victims, including 31 hostages in Kaduna State and 18 others in Sokoto State.

In the North-Central region, troops under Operations Enduring Peace and Savannah Shield recorded major gains, neutralising 19 terrorists across Plateau, Benue, and Kogi states. They also rescued 22 kidnapped victims, dismantled terrorist camps, and recovered weapons and ammunition, while repelling attacks on communities and maintaining operational dominance in vulnerable areas.

Operations in the South-East and South-South also yielded results, with troops targeting IPOB/ESN elements and criminal networks. In the South-East, one terrorist was neutralised and explosives recovered, while in the South-South, troops dismantled illegal oil bunkering sites, neutralised a kidnapper, and rescued two victims. The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intensified operations across all regions to enhance national security.