PRESS BRIEFING ON THE ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA FOR THE PERIOD COVERING 25 – 28 MAY 2026
ADMIN.
INTRODUCTION
1.The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) continued to record significant successes against terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality threatening the peace and security of our nation. These achievements are indicative of the professionalism, valour, and unwavering commitment of the AFN to restore peace and security to the nation.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
2.Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded a series of decisive actions against terrorist elements. On 24 May 2026, troops conducted a fighting patrol in response to sounds of gunshots at Akate in Donga LGA of Taraba State, where contact was made and two terrorists were neutralised. Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, five rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two mobile phones, and other materials. On 25 May 2026, a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Alhaji Gambo was arrested in Monguno Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, following a routine check conducted by troops while attempting to enter Monguno town. The suspect is in custody for further investigation.
3.Sustained military pressure continues to yield notable surrenders and intelligence breakthroughs within the theatre. On 27 May 2026, one male family member of a suspected terrorist escaped from the Kimbe terrorist enclave on the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza LGA of Borno State and surrendered to troops, citing unbearable conditions and sustained pressure within the camp. He was profiled and is currently in custody for further action. On the same date, four escapees comprising one male and three females who were reportedly abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026 were handed over to troops in Kirawa, Gwoza LGA of Borno State, following their rescue by the Cameroon Defence Force. All escapees were screened, documented, and administered first aid. On 27 May 2026, troops deployed at a blocking position at Lima detected a large concentration of terrorists massing along the Bam-Buratai axis in Biu LGA of Borno State. Troops engaged with indirect fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw. A swift exploitation of the area by the Quick Reaction Force led to the discovery of 5 terrorists neutralized, recovery of 169 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, with no casualties recorded by troops. On 28 May 2026, troops in conjunction with Hunters Group, sprung an ambush at Kasaicia, off the Damaturu–Buni Yadi Road in Gujba LGA of Yobe State, neutralised four terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
4.Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, demonstrated professionalism in confronting kidnapping and terrorism across Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States. On 26 May 2026, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes, arrested a suspected terrorist member while he was attempting to board a vehicle at Tungan Giwa Village in Shanga LGA of Kebbi State. A mobile phone was recovered, and exploitation of the suspect’s memory card revealed photographs of individuals suspected to be members of Lakurawa terrorist group brandishing sophisticated weapons. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of the suspect’s network and activities. Also, on 27 May 2026, troops conducted a patrol at Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja Villages in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State and made contact with terrorists, neutralised two terrorists and recovered two fabricated rifles, four motorcycles, and several makeshift camps, all of which were subsequently destroyed.
5.In another decisive engagement on 27 May 2026, troops on patrol along the Sayaya Road in Matazu LGA of Katsina State engaged a terrorist on a motorcycle who attempted to flee, troops neutralised him in the process. The individual was subsequently identified by local vigilante sources as Mallam Mau’re, a foot soldier of a notorious terrorist kingpin known as Muhammadu Fulani. Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, one loaded AK-47 magazine with 17 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and a motorcycle. In a significant humanitarian development, on 28 May 2026, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bagega successfully rescued 31 kidnapped victims along the Bagega–Kawaye Road in Anka LGA of Zamfara State. The victims, who had spent several weeks in captivity, escaped following an airstrike by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships west of Bagega Forest.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
6.Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded a significant humanitarian achievement during the week. On 27 May 2026, a total of 148 kidnapped victims comprising two adult males and 146 women and children were released from captivity by terrorists suspected to be operating from the Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were kidnapped over three months ago from Galma Village in Wamba District of Mariga LGA of Niger State. Following their release, the victims were escorted to the Local Government Area Headquarters in Bangi, where they were handed over to the appropriate local government authorities for subsequent reunification with their families.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
7.Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded decisive operational successes against criminal elements in Kaduna State. On 26 May 2026, troops responded to a reported attack at Lusuru Village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The swift intervention of troops forced the attackers to flee towards River Kaduna. Troops subsequently rescued two injured victims, who were evacuated to Saint Louis Hospital in Zonkwa for medical treatment. Efforts to trail and apprehend the fleeing terrorists are ongoing.
8.In a particularly notable development on 26 May 2026, troops mobilised to a confirmed hideout of a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya at Kikoba in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. On contact with troops, the suspect attempted to escape but was neutralised in the ensuing encounter. Efforts are actively ongoing to exploit available human intelligence and apprehend other syndicate members associated with the late kingpin.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
9.Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued to collaborate with other security agencies in combating organised crime threatening communities in the region. On 23 May 2026, following the earlier arrest of a suspected drug peddler on 16 May 2026, troops carried out a follow-up operation at Makurdi LGA of Benue State. During the operation, a Toyota vehicle belonging to one Mr Akor Ochai Jacob, was impounded on suspicion of its use in the distribution of illicit substances. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 503 pieces of substances suspected to be illicit drugs, 138 pieces of a substance suspected to be Ice (methamphetamine), unspecified amount of money, and other sundry items. All recovered items and the vehicle are currently under investigation. In a related development, on 27 May 2026, a follow-up operation was conducted at the High Level general area in Makurdi LGA of Benue State, arising from the earlier arrest of a notorious drug dealer and owner of a Toyota Corolla vehicle on 15 May 2026. Two suspected associates of the arrested dealer were apprehended. Items recovered include one packet of assorted illicit drugs, five Android phones, one Point of Sale (POS) machine, two power banks, one motorcycle, one phone charger, and unspecified amount of cash. The suspects and all recovered items are currently in the custody for further investigation and prosecution.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
10.Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE collaborated effectively with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to combat kidnapping and violent crimes in Edo State. Significantly, on 27 May 2026, troops in conjunction with security partners conducted clearance operations across the Erha Forest, Ishiolili Forest, and Rugan Fulani areas, all within Owan East LGA of Edo State. During the operation, one suspect was arrested and the following items were recovered: two dane guns and other items were handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.
11.In a further operation conducted on 28 May 2026, troops alongside the Nigeria Police and hunters staged an ambush at a confirmed kidnappers’ crossing point along the Ohe–Uzea Road in Esan North-East LGA of Edo State. Contact was made and one kidnapper was neutralised, while accomplices fled the scene with gunshot wounds. Exploitation of the area yielded the following items: one locally made short-barrelled gun, seven cartridges, one cutlass, one knife, one Android phone, one ATM card, one voters’ card bearing the name Ibrahim Abdulraman, ropes, one MP3 audio player, hard drugs, and unspecified amount of money. The suspect’s corpse and recovered items were handed over to the police for necessary action.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
12.Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained the momentum of operations against illicit drug networks and proscribed terrorist organisations. On 26 May 2026, building on prior arrests of notorious IPOB/ESN kingpins and the arrest of their arms supplier, a security personnel, a raid operation was executed at Ete Eyinmagwu Village in Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State. Troops arrested one Mr Chinedu Opete, a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin known by the alias Dragon, along with one Mr Amachi Opete. Recovered items include one military belt and two berets bearing IPOB/ESN insignia. In a further development on 27 May 2026, two suspects who had been apprehended at Owaza in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, while attempting to steal farm produce and abduct female farmers were handed over to troops. The suspects, claimed to be residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, initially claimed to be in the area for illegal bunkering activities. However, the circumstances of their arrest firmly contradict this claim. Both suspects are in the custody of troops and are undergoing investigation.
CONCLUSION
13.The operational achievements recorded this week are a clear demonstration that the AFN, under the purposeful direction of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, remains fully committed to restoring and sustaining peace across every part of Nigeria. The Chief of Defence Staff reaffirms the AFN’s solemn commitment to the protection of lives, property, and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The CDS recognises the courage and sacrifices of the gallant troops serving on the front lines and pledges that the AFN will continue to provide them with the resources, training, and support necessary to deliver on their mandate. He assures Nigerians that the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality will be prosecuted to a conclusive and decisive end.
14.The general public is strongly encouraged to continue providing credible intelligence to the nearest military formation, police station, or through the AFN’s designated channels. Timely and reliable information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools available in the collective fight against insecurity. The Defence Headquarters assures all Nigerians that every tip is treated with the utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.
God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed
MICHAEL ONOJA
Major General
29 May 2026 Director Defence Media Operations