Nigerian troops have intensified nationwide counter-terrorism offensives, recording major successes in the North-East and North-West, including the arrest of suspected terrorists and informants, rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralisation of insurgents, and recovery of weapons and explosives.
In the North-East theatre, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), carried out coordinated operations across Yobe and Adamawa states, leading to multiple arrests and rescues. At Ngamdu in Yobe State, troops apprehended two suspected terrorists, Haruna Adamu (32) and Ibrahim Adamu (20), who reportedly fled from Zamfara State. Recovered items included mobile phones, a power bank, identification cards, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal belongings.
In a related operation, troops of the 254 Battalion under Sector 2 Command arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad (30), at Ngamdu Market. The suspect, who had been on a watchlist, was found with cash, a mobile phone, charms, a knife, and a notebook containing contact details of suspected terrorist collaborators. The military described the arrest as a significant blow to the intelligence network of insurgents in the area.
Troops also arrested five suspected drug peddlers during a night operation around the Mubi general area of Adamawa State, recovering ammunition and other items. Meanwhile, in Madagali Local Government Area, a joint team of OPHK troops and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) responded to a kidnapping incident, rescuing two victims, Barnabas Apagu (12) and Ruth Apagu (10), while efforts continue to secure the release of others still in captivity.
Additionally, troops deployed in Kukareta, Yobe State, recovered a hand grenade believed to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The device was safely secured in line with standard procedures.
In a parallel development in the North-West, troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, intensified offensive operations against terrorist enclaves in Zamfara State. The clearance operations, conducted on May 4, 2026, targeted key locations including Maikwanuga village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, as well as Aljumma, Gidan Dawa, Magami Didi, and Tungar Magaji villages in Maradun LGA.
During the operation, troops engaged terrorists at Tungar Magaji with superior firepower, neutralising two insurgents and forcing others to flee. A follow-up sweep of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition, as well as a motorcycle.
Military authorities said the Zamfara operations form part of a sustained campaign to dismantle terrorist hideouts within the Bagega–Sunke forest corridor and restore security to affected communities.
The Military High Command commended troops for their resilience and operational successes across both theatres, urging them to sustain the momentum. It reaffirmed its commitment to degrading terrorist capabilities, safeguarding lives and property, and restoring lasting peace and economic stability.
The military also called on the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
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