In his media release,vMajor General Michael Onoja the Director Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja reeled out standing performance of the military troops for the first few days of September, 2026.
Onoja explained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria sustained its kinetic operations across all theatres of operations nationwide, between 31 August - 3 September 2026. That it recorded several successes in the continue campaign against terrorism, kidnapping and secessionist agitation. These operations reflect the reintegrity the Armed Forces of Nigeria to ensure the protection of lives and property as well as safeguard territorial integrity of the nation.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
In the North East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained counter-terrorism operations across Borno and Yobe States, countering terrorist attacks and conducting offensive engagements during the period. On 1 September 2026, troops encountered a command-detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Miyanti–Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. One terrorist was neutralized, while a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were recovered. Troops also ambushed and neutralized a terrorist and recovered a rifle and ammunition at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
On 31 August 2026, troops intercepted an escapee who had fled terrorist captivity due to hunger and hardship around Sabsawa in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. On the same day, troops arrested a suspect in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State while conveying foodstuffs destined for a terrorist enclave in Bama Local Government Area. Similarly, on 1 September 2026, troops arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant at Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. Between 1 and 2 September 2026, several terrorist fighters surrendered to troops, while suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, informants and spies were arrested across the theatre following sustained offensive pressure. On 2 September 2026, twenty-one women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, citing ongoing clashes between rival terrorist factions within the Yaganari enclave. On the same day, troops intercepted another escapee who had fled terrorist captivity due to hunger and hardship near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Additionally, on 3 September 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist spy loitering along the Kauwa–Kukawa Road in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. All surrendered persons and rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
In the North West geopolitical zone, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations against terrorists across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, recording significant successes against terrorist kingpins and logistics networks. On 31 August 2026, troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts at Kogo Village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, neutralising two terrorist kingpins. One terrorist escaped with a gunshot wound, while two motorcycles were destroyed. On 2 September 2026, troops at Kadage Village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State intercepted a vehicle and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain. The fleeing suspect was neutralised during the encounter. On the same day, troops ambushed terrorists on motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi–Zurmi axis in Zamfara State. A rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle, ammunition and other items were recovered, while several terrorists were neutralised during the engagement.
On 2 September 2026, troops responding to a distress call rescued six abducted victims transiting from Ayu Market at Mehinua Village in Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. On 3 September 2026, troops rescued 23 abducted civilians, comprising three men and 20 women, on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims, who had been held captive for approximately three weeks, were evacuated for medical attention. On the same day, troops rescued two abducted victims and recovered two motorcycles along the Dandume–Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State. Similarly, troops intensified operations across Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna and Bilange Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. During the operation, they discovered and destroyed a terrorist camp within Bilange Forest and recovered military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle. Also, on the same day, troops, in conjunction with local security groups, recovered a locally fabricated rifle concealed under shrubs near Maikujera Village in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The rifle was believed to have been hidden by terrorists following an earlier ambush on troops on 28 August 2026.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against armed criminality and kidnapping across Benue, Kogi and Taraba States. On 2 September 2026, troops on patrol along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, engaged two suspected terrorists on a motorcycle where one was neutralised while the other escaped. During the operation, a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and assorted charms were recovered. On the same day, troops compelled kidnappers who had abducted two women at Ajodomodo Village in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State to abandon their victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest. On 3 September 2026, troops conducted a clearance operation at Peva in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, targeting the hideout of a wanted gang leader. Exploitation of the area led to the arrest of five gang members and the recovery of ammunition and other items while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the gang leader.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE maintained vigilance over communities in Kaduna State to disrupt kidnapping networks. On 3 September 2026, troops arrested a suspected informant for kidnappers at Sabon Gida village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspect is undergoing interrogation to establish his involvement with the kidnapping network and identify other members at large.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD sustained operations against criminality and kidnapping across Kwara and Niger States. On 2 September 2026, troops rescued five male kidnap victims from their farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. On the same day, a suspected terrorist fighter having a gunshot wound was apprehended at Gaa Ali Awere Village in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, following credible intelligence on his movements.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
In the South East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against secessionist elements across Anambra and Enugu States. On 1 September 2026, troops, in conjunction with a local security group in Anambra State, arrested two suspects at Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. They were allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements within their camps. On 2 September 2026, troops conducted a raid at Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State, arresting a suspect identified as a member of a secessionist syndicate believed to be orchestrating attacks on security agencies within Enugu State.
General Onoja concluded that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede commends the unrelenting resolve of troops across all theatres of operation in neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens, receiving surrendered terrorist fighters and their families, and dismantling criminal and secessionist networks. General Oluyede also commends the sustained collaboration between troops and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders, whose synergy continues to yield tangible results in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and secessionist agitation. Her also appreciates the media for their continued professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations. The Armed Forces of Nigeria appeals to members of the public, as well as traditional and community leaders, to continue providing useful information to troops to enhance the security architecture nationwide. The Armed Forces of Nigeria also reassures all citizens of its unwavering commitment to sustaining the current tempo of operations until peace, stability and security are fully restored across all theatres of operation.