By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified nationwide operations, neutralising 201 terrorists and rescuing 188 kidnapped victims across multiple theatres in April 2026.
The military also arrested 284 suspected terrorist leaders and collaborators, while destroying several insurgent camps, improvised explosive device (IED) enclaves, and illicit arms manufacturing sites during the period.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Thursday at the Defence Headquarters, during a briefing on ongoing military operations, noting that the successes were achieved through coordinated efforts with other security agencies and local communities.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and sacrifice, urging them to sustain operational momentum with professionalism and compassion.
Providing a breakdown of operations, Onoja said troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant gains in the North-East, sustaining offensive actions against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
According to him, 136 terrorists were neutralised, 114 suspects arrested, and 18 kidnapped victims rescued, while nine insurgents surrendered with their families.
He highlighted a key operation on April 1, 2026, where troops ambushed terrorists in the Gadangari axis of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing eight insurgents without recording casualties on the side of the military.
According to him, a clearance operations in Dajin Madam and Kumbodoro forests also led to the dismantling of several terrorist camps and the capture of a deputy ring leader alongside his wife.
In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma carried out sustained offensives across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states, neutralising 20 terrorists, arresting 32 suspects, and rescuing 70 abducted victims. One insurgent also surrendered within the period.
Similarly, in the South-South, Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against criminal networks, leading to the arrest of 17 suspects and the dismantling of two illegal refining sites.
Troops also recovered a total of 101,443 litres of petroleum products, including crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Onoja further disclosed that troops responded to a kidnap incident in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State on April 8, where one suspect was neutralised and two victims rescued. An AK-47 rifle and ammunition were also recovered during the operation.
While commending ongoing efforts, the Armed Forces paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The military recalled that on April 9, 2026, two officers and two soldiers were killed during an engagement with terrorists in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, including Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, whose leadership and bravery were described as exemplary.
The Armed Forces also honoured Colonel I.A. Mohammed and his troops who died in action in Monguno, noting that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
The Chief of Defence Staff extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, assuring them that their loved ones paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
