DHQ gives update on operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, others

The Defence Headquarters has given an update on military operations across the country.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Major General Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operation, DMO, highlighted the series of coordinated operations conducted between 4 and 11 June 2026, to eliminate all manners of criminalities by troops deployed across all major operational theatres.

He said that these achievements, spanning all geopolitical zones, reflect the tactical ingenuity, professionalism, and dedication of Nigerian troops under the strategic direction of the Chief of Defence Staff.

In the North East, the army said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained heavy pressure on remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists through intensive fighting patrols, clearing enclaves and severing vital logistic supply links.

He said that between June 5 and June 11, 2026, troops executed several tactical interceptions across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, and on 5 June 2026, troops conducted clearance operations in the Amuda general area of Gwoza LGA of Borno State, and safely recovered an 8-year-old child, Ali Musa, who had successfully escaped from a terrorist enclave in Saha.

Onoja added, “This was followed by the recovery of 3 additional women and children in the same area on 6 June 2026, who escaped after rigorous military bombardments forced their abductors to abandon camp.

“Furthermore, on 11 June 2026, another 3 abductees were intercepted wandering in the bush around Amuda, having broken free from the Saha and Chinene terrorist hideouts due to relentless military operations on the Mandara Mountains.

“All escapees received medical screening, administrative registration, and first aid at military facilities before being safely reunited with their communities.

“The operational achievements peaked on 6 June 2026, when troops executed a highly sophisticated multi-axis raid across the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.

“This daring maneuver induced widespread chaos within the terrorist networks, enabling ground troops to successfully

rescue 360 civilians, predominantly women and children, who had been held since their abduction during an attack on the Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.

“Regrettably, 2 infants lost their lives due to the extreme hardships of the rugged mountain terrain. The remaining 358 survivors were swiftly evacuated to the emergency department of the General Hospital in Gwoza for medical treatment, nourished, and safely housed in a secure holding area prior to their formal handover to local authorities.

“Additionally, on 5 June 2026, a 20-year-old terrorist, Fannami Ali, surrendered to troops deployed in Monguno town, surrendering a bicycle, a wristwatch, a torchlight, and N2,500.00 in cash.

“In Gujba LGA of Yobe State, on 5 June 2026, a suspected terrorist informant was arrested at Buni Yadi. Another informant was apprehended on 6 June 2026, during market patrols in Madagali town, Adamawa State.

“In Borno State, aggressive anti-logistics operations led to the arrest of multiple suppliers: on 7 June 2026, a suspect was caught in Damboa town with 86 mosquito nets, a bicycle, a radio, a phone, and technical equipment; another was intercepted at Tashan Bama in Jere LGA on 9 June 2026, carrying N100,000.00 worth of sweets and milk creamers funded directly by terrorists; another informant was arrested on 8 June 2026, along the Mandaragirau–Sabon Gari road in Biu LGA with illicit tramadol capsules, herbicides, and Indian hemp.

“On the same date, an additional supplier was apprehended at the Damboa market with 19 wristwatches and agro-allied chemicals.

“On 11 June 2026, troops In Kukawa LGA of Borno State intercepted 11 suspected collaborators in two Toyota trucks at Kekeno. Tactical victories were also recorded on 7 June 2026, when troops conducted an exploitation patrol along a withdrawal route following an attack in Mandaraugirau, Biu LGA.

“Troops recovered 7 motorcycles, a PKT gun, and over 1,070 rounds of ammunition. On 11 June 2026, troops in Mallam Fatori expertly foiled an attack on their defensive location, engaged the adversaries and forced them to flee, leaving behind an AK-47 rifle bearing Arabic inscriptions, a magazine, and 31 rounds of special ammunition.

The army said that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in the North West has recorded decisive gains against terrorists and criminal elements in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States and arresting scores of criminals including Mallam Mustapha Abubakar,  believed to be an arms dealer.

In the North Central, the army said that the Joint Task Force, Operation Savannah Shield in Borgu LGA of Niger State conducted targeted operations that dismantled suspected terrorist surveillance networks in the area, leading to the arrest of a high-value terrorist informant who had been on the watch list and is currently undergoing detailed interrogation.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria highlighted other successfully operations across the country such as the Operation Enduring Peace in the North Central, Operation Delta Safe in the South South, Operation Udo Ka in the South East

In the South East, the army said that troops of Operation UDO KA recorded landmark successes in the ongoing decapitation operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, as well as other criminal elements.

He said that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede has commended troops across all theatres for their courage, discipline, and dedication to duty in the execution of these operations.