By Miriam Humbe
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) maintained the tempo of its kinetic operations across all operational theatres nationwide between 30 September – 1 October 2026.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director, Defence Media Operations disclosed this on Friday in a weekly press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the period.
The ongoing campaigns against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality reflect the commitment of the AFN to resolve the various threats to security across the nation.
In the North East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against terrorism in Borno and Yobe States, recording several surrenders and arrests of terrorist collaborators towards the end of September and into early October 2026.
On 30 September 2026, a terrorist family member and her daughter surrendered to troops on the Dikwa-Gulumba route in Dikwa LGA of Borno State.
On 1 October 2026, three terrorists surrendered to troops in Monguno town, Borno State, after escaping from their camp at Tumbunma village in the Lake Chad region in Abadam LGA of Borno State.
All surrendered persons were taken into custody for further action.
In related operations, troops arrested a suspect posing as an Islamic cleric at Babbangida community in Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State on 30 September 2026.
He had claimed to be travelling from Niger Republic to Maiduguri but lacked any means of identification.
Same day, troops, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Monguno town, Borno State, following sustained tracking and monitoring.
Both suspects are currently being held for investigation.
On 1 October 2026, troops supported by the Air Component, conducted coordinated operations in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State and neutralised 5 terrorists.
Items recovered following the operation include; 3 AK-47 rifles, 2 pump-action rifles, 1 Dane gun, 6 AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges.
In a separate air operation, surveillance detected a concentration of terrorists and motorcycles, leading to a precision air strike that neutralised 16 terrorists and destroyed 15 motorcycles.
In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, on 1 October 2026, while on patrol within Gbise Community in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State were alerted to the presence of three persons suspected to have been released by kidnappers.
Troops mobilised to the area and evacuated the victims, who disclosed that they had been kidnapped in Takum LGA of Taraba State.
Efforts are ongoing to track the kidnap syndicate responsible for their abduction.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted operations to restore order in Abi LGA of Cross River State on 1 October 2026.
This followed a raid operation conducted by personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Ekureku Community in Abi LGA.
Unfortunately, the residents were reported to have mobbed and disarmed the NDLEA operatives in an attempt to resist the arrest of a suspect.
Troops promptly responded to the scene, rescued the NDLEA personnel and recovered five FN rifles and two Beretta pistols that had been seized by the residents.
Troops subsequently escorted the NDLEA personnel safely to Ugep Community before returning to base.
This operation reinforces the critical role troops continue to play in collaborating with other security agencies, in line with the CDS’ Military Strategic Philosophy which espouses a whole of government approach to resolving issues bordering on security in the country.
In the South East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to a major security incident in Imo State on 1 October 2026, when troops reacted to a distress call following a mass kidnapping along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway at Umonuwa village in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA.
It was reported that gunmen had flagged down two commercial buses conveying a total of 30 passengers and abducted 20 persons, including several prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
Ten passengers, including eight identified prospective corps members, were rescued unharmed.
A joint search and rescue operation, comprising troops and personnel drawn from Operation UDO KA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and supported by the NAF Component of the Operation are all currently deployed to locate and rescue the remaining abductees.
In a separate and successful operation, troops in collaboration with the Anambra Local Security Group, rescued 3 persons abducted from the Osakwa area of Ihiala LGA, Anambra State.
One of the arrested kidnappers disclosed that the kidnap syndicate’s camp was located at Abator in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State across the Isieke waterside.
On 1 October 2026, troops conducted a follow-up operation by canoe to the camp, engaged the terrorists with superior firepower. The operation resulted in the neutralizing of 10 terrorists, recovered two AK-47 rifles, three pump-action rifles, three dane guns, ammunition and materials for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices.
The successes recorded within this period underscore the continuous vigilance and momentum of operations in the various geographical zones.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, on behalf of the AFN, commends the courage and professionalism of troops for these achievements, particularly the swift intervention that supported personnel of the NDLEA in Cross River State and the ongoing multi-agency effort to secure the safe return of the NYSC members abducted along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Imo State.
He also commends the continued collaboration between troops and other security agencies and other stakeholders, whose combined efforts remain central to the nation’s security architecture.
The CDS further commends the media for their continued professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations, and appeals to members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible and timely information to troops.
The AFN remains firmly committed to sustaining the current tempo of operations until lasting peace and security are secured across every part of the country.
