ABUJA | Media360Impact Report
The Nigerian military has warned terrorist collaborators, informants, arms dealers and logistics suppliers that security forces are closing in on their networks, as troops intensify operations across several parts of the country.
The warning comes amid a series of military operations that led to the rescue of abductees, arrests of suspected terrorists and collaborators, the recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the disruption of illegal oil refining activities.
In an operational update covering activities between October 1 and 8, 2026, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) reported successes across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East.
The operations also included the killing of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) figure in Ondo State, the rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State, and the recovery of stolen petroleum products in Rivers State.
Military Targets Terrorist Networks in North East
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against insurgents and their support networks in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
On October 5, a terrorist, two women and their children surrendered to troops at Ngurusoye village in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State. Another suspected terrorist surrendered in Monguno after escaping from a camp at Tumbunma village in the Lake Chad region.
The military also reported the arrest of 12 suspected collaborators and smugglers transporting fish from the Niger Republic at Kanama in Yunusari LGA of Yobe State on October 3.
A suspected logistics supplier was arrested at Mubi Market in Adamawa State on October 4, while a high-profile terrorist was apprehended in Magumeri, Borno State, on October 5.
Another suspected terrorist was arrested along the Pulka-Firgi Road in Gwoza LGA on October 6.
Troops also continued operations around Gava in Gwoza, where the military reported the rescue of abductees.
Troops Kill 10 Lakurawa Fighters in Kebbi
In the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued operations against terrorism and banditry in Kaduna, Katsina and Kebbi states.
The military said troops repelled an attempted attack by a large group of Lakurawa fighters in Maiyama LGA of Kebbi State on October 7.
According to the operational report, the attackers were riding more than 100 motorcycles and carried machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
Troops killed 10 of the fighters during the encounter, while others fled, abandoning weapons and equipment.
Items recovered included 17 motorcycles, a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, assorted ammunition and a communication device.
In Katsina State, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, a motorcycle and other items during an operation in Malumfashi LGA on October 5.
The military also reported the rescue of 18 kidnap victims in Unguwan Hudu village, Bakori LGA, on October 1. The operation was conducted alongside a local security group.
In another rescue, a seven-year-old boy abducted from Dogon Dawa village in Kaduna State was found at Tsakiya village in Safana LGA of Katsina State on October 6.
Troops arrested a suspected terrorist in Faskari LGA of Katsina State the same day.
On October 8, another suspected collaborator was arrested at Kuyello in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. The suspect reportedly admitted to working with terrorists involved in kidnapping for ransom, according to the military.
Security Forces Recover Illegal Weapons in North Central
In Taraba State, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE continued efforts to disrupt arms trafficking and armed criminality.
On October 7, troops raided a residence at Wura Baba village near Abbare in Lau LGA following intelligence that a suspect possessed a firearm.
Although the suspect escaped, troops recovered a locally fabricated submachine gun pistol and two rounds of 9mm ammunition.
The same day, troops raided the hideout of an alleged accomplice of a suspected arms trafficker previously arrested in August. The operation, conducted at Sabon Gidan Usha in Donga LGA, yielded 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Meanwhile, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested two suspected kidnappers at Makasa village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State on October 2. The suspects were taken into custody for investigation into possible links with wider kidnapping networks.
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops arrested a wanted suspected terrorist along Luma Road in Borgu LGA of Niger State on October 2, following the killing of a driver in the area.
In Kwara State, troops rescued three people found wandering in Sabanginna Ndeji Forest in Edu LGA on October 4. The military said the individuals had escaped from their abductors.
Military Reports Killing of Senior ISWAP Figure in Ondo
A joint security operation in Owo forest, Ondo State, on October 2 reportedly resulted in the killing of several terrorists, including a senior ISWAP figure identified by the military as Abdussamad Ohida.
According to the military, Ohida was the deputy to the leader of ISWAP’s Central Nigeria faction and assumed leadership following the arrest of the group’s leader by the Department of State Services in 2023.
Further investigations reportedly indicated that he had been planning large-scale attacks on civilians in some southern states during the forthcoming festive season.
The military described his killing as a significant setback for the group’s efforts to expand its operations in Nigeria.
20 Abducted Corps Members Rescued in Imo
In the South East, troops under Operation UDO KA rescued 20 prospective corps members abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, around the Umunoha axis of Mbaitoli LGA in Imo State.
A local woman who was also abducted while travelling to the market was rescued alongside them.
The victims were found at Ndegwu community in Owerri West LGA on October 7 following sustained pressure from troops and other security agencies.
The military said search operations were continuing to locate and arrest those responsible for the abductions.
Troops Disrupt Illegal Oil Refining in Rivers
In the South South, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State.
On October 7, troops operating in Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA discovered three illegal refinery sites.
In a separate operation in Eleme LGA on the same day, troops recovered an estimated 2,500 litres of stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The operations form part of efforts to disrupt illegal petroleum activities and deny oil thieves access to facilities used for their operations.
Military Pledges Support for Humanitarian Operations
Beyond combat operations, the Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated its commitment to supporting humanitarian activities in the North East.
On October 8, a delegation led by Patricia Mucheche, Deputy Head of Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), visited the headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the military and humanitarian partners.
The military assured the delegation that it would continue working to provide a secure environment for humanitarian activities, improve information sharing and coordination, and facilitate safe access to farmlands and essential supply routes.
The engagement underscores the importance of cooperation between security agencies and humanitarian organisations in protecting civilians, supporting relief operations and creating conditions for recovery in conflict-affected communities.
With operations continuing across multiple regions, the military’s latest update highlights its focus on counterterrorism, kidnapping, illegal arms trafficking and oil theft, alongside efforts to protect civilians and support humanitarian access.
