Nigerian Military Intensifies Offensive Against Criminal Activities Nationwide
The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has announced an intensification of operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) aimed at combating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, and crude oil theft from July 17 to 23, 2026. The military reported significant operational achievements across various theaters during this period.
Officials emphasized their commitment to applying sustained pressure on criminal networks while bolstering security around critical national assets. In a statement, Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defense Media Operations, highlighted that these recent achievements underscore a coordinated approach to addressing the diverse security challenges facing the nation, utilizing intelligence-driven operations, offensive raids, and multi-agency collaboration.
According to General Onoja, these operations led to the neutralization of terrorists and criminal elements, the apprehension of collaborators and suppliers, as well as the rescue of kidnapped individuals. Additionally, military forces recovered arms, ammunition, and materials linked to various criminal organizations involved in insurgency, kidnapping, and oil theft.
The military also secured important national corridors, including major road and rail networks, to facilitate the safe movement of people, goods, and services throughout the country.
Significant Developments in the Northeast
In the northeast, forces engaged in Operation Hadin Kai achieved notable success against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during this recent week. Key accomplishments included preventing an attempted infiltration at the University of Maiduguri, enhancing security around the campus, rescuing several abducted women and children, and arresting logistics suppliers and suspected foreign terrorist fighters.
Navigating Challenges in the Northwest
Operation Fansan Yamma maintained progress in the northwest, where military forces arrested individuals suspected of collaborating with terrorist groups by providing logistical support and intelligence. In response to terrorists blocking the Gumi-Sokoto road, security forces in Kaduna and Zamfara states successfully repelled attacks and rescued 11 abducted passengers, with ongoing efforts to secure the release of additional victims.
Operations in the North-Central Region
Across the North-Central region, troops participating in Operation Savannah Shield, Operation Enduring Peace, and Operation Whirl Stroke intensified their endeavors against kidnappers, militias, and other armed criminals in states such as Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Taraba. These joint operations with local vigilante groups led to the rescue of one kidnapping victim, the neutralization and arrest of multiple suspects, and the seizure of various weapons.
Targeting Oil Theft in the Niger Delta
Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe continued its campaign against oil theft by dismantling illegal refineries and bunkering camps in Rivers State. Troops successfully recovered large quantities of stolen crude oil, illegally refined products, and equipment utilized for unlawful refining. Similar operations conducted in Edo State resulted in the arrest of suspected kidnappers, arms suppliers, and gun smugglers.
Combating Criminal Networks in the South-East
In the South-East region, Operation Udo Ka focused on dismantling criminal networks linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Suspects were apprehended in Enugu State, and firearms along with ammunition were recovered from a secluded hideout believed to have been used for kidnappings and attacks on security personnel.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed that the successes of these operations reflect the Armed Forces’ commitment to dismantling terrorist leadership, disrupting criminal logistics networks, and restoring security across various regions through sustained, intelligence-driven, multi-agency efforts.
