Nigerian troops kill 201 terrorists, free 188 kidnap victims, arrest 284 suspects in April operations

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria said troops killed 201 terrorists, rescued 188 kidnapped civilians, and arrested 284 suspects during coordinated military operations across seven theatres nationwide in April 2026, describing the month as one of its most successful periods in recent months.

This was disclosed during the monthly press briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, where he outlined the outcomes of ongoing military campaigns across the country.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 136 terrorists, arrested 114 suspects and rescued 18 kidnap victims across Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State and Taraba State. The military said troops also repelledattacks, destroyed camps and recovered weapons in several operations.

In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised 20 terrorists, arrested 32 suspects and rescued 70 abducted persons in Kaduna State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State and Zamfara State. Among those rescued were 31 worshippers abducted from a church in Kaduna.

Troops of Operation Savannah Shield and Operation Enduring Peace recorded major gains in the North-Central, rescuing 63 kidnap victims, killing dozens of terrorists and destroying camps in Niger State, Kwara State, Plateau State, Benue State and Kaduna State.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops rescued 35 kidnapped persons and arrested 40 suspects across Benue State, Kogi State and NasarawaState. The military also said efforts were ongoing to rescue remaining children abducted from an orphanage in Lokoja.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe rescued several kidnap victims, arrested suspects and recovered over 101,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, while Operation UDO KA in the South-East arrested suspected IPOB/ESN members, killed three terrorists and rescued victims in Enugu State, Imo State, Ebonyi State and neighbouring states.

The military high command commended troops for their efforts and paid tribute to officers and soldiers killed in action, including Brigadier General O.O. Braimah and other personnel who died during operations in the North-East. It urged Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.