Nigerian Military Achieves Major Security Gains Nationwide

Between July 17 and 23, 2026, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) intensified their offensive against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, militancy, and crude oil theft, achieving notable operational successes. Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the military's coordinated approach involved intelligence-led operations, offensive raids, and multi-agency collaboration.

The operations led to the neutralization of terrorists, arrests of collaborators and logistics suppliers, and the rescue of kidnapped victims. In the North-east, Operation Hadin Kai thwarted an attempted infiltration of the University of Maiduguri and secured the rescue of several kidnapped women and children.

In the North-west, Operation Fansan Yamma arrested terrorist collaborators and repelled attacks in Kaduna and Zamfara States. In the North-central, operations resulted in the rescue of kidnap victims and the arrest of suspects.

In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal refining sites and arrested suspects linked to oil theft.