By David Torough, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded fresh operational successes across multiple theatres of operation between June 30 and July 2, 2026, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting suspected terrorists and collaborators, recovering weapons and logistics, and receiving the surrender of suspected terrorists and their family members.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops maintained sustained pressure on criminal elements nationwide, leading to significant gains in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intercepted three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Main Supply Route in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. The suspects were arrested while transporting items believed to be destined for terrorist enclaves.

Troops also repelled an attack on Kurnari community in Biu Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat and recovering a handheld radio, locally made explosives, ammunition and other items.

The military also reported continued terrorist surrenders, with the wife of a terrorist and her five children surrendering in Monguno on June 30, while another suspected terrorist surrendered in Mobbar Local Government Area on July 1 after fleeing a camp in the Lake Chad region, citing harsh living conditions.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued a female kidnap victim during an ambush operation near River Shuwaka in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The victim had been abducted on June 29 near Gora village in Chikun Local Government Area. A mobile phone believed to belong to the fleeing kidnappers was recovered for forensic analysis.

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE operating across the North-Central also recorded multiple successes.

In Taraba State, security forces raided a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition.

In Nasarawa State, troops rescued three kidnap victims, including a soldier abducted along the Akwanga–Gwatu Road, while separate rescue operations in Benue and Kogi states led to the rescue of six additional kidnapped persons after troops responded swiftly to distress calls.

In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled a suspected kidnapping plot in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State by arresting two suspected kidnappers near a hotel in Ibillo.

Preliminary investigations indicated the suspects had allegedly been conducting surveillance on troop patrol patterns before their arrest.

Meanwhile, Operation UDO KA troops in the South-East intensified operations against suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

In Anambra State, troops engaged suspected armed elements in a firefight, neutralising one suspect while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

In separate operations, troops recovered a locally made pistol from a fleeing suspected cultist in Abia State, arrested a suspected armourer and logistics courier in Imo State with assault rifles, magazines and large quantities of ammunition, and apprehended a suspected IPOB/ESN member and gunrunner in Enugu State.

Recovered items included pump-action guns, a pistol, assorted ammunition, vehicle number plates and materials suspected to be used in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.

Commending troops for their professionalism and gallantry, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining operations until terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities are decisively defeated.

He said the recent successes demonstrated the effectiveness of the Armed Forces’ multi-theatre operational strategy and urged Nigerians to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies.

The defence chief also praised other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their continued collaboration, describing inter-agency cooperation as critical to consolidating the gains recorded across the country’s various operational theatres.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday, 3 July 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, at Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).

Speaking during the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu disclosed that he was in the state for the week-long NADCEL 2026 activities, which will culminate in the grand finale scheduled for July 6.

Furthermore, the COAS commended the Government of Rivers State for its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army, stressing that sustained collaboration between the military, government and citizens remains critical to addressing contemporary security challenges and safeguarding strategic national assets.

In his remarks, Governor Sir Siminalaye Fubara thanked the Chief of Army Staff for choosing Rivers State to host the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration. He commended Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for the remarkable improvement in the security situation in the state since assuming command as COAS, noting that the enhanced security environment has contributed to increased oil production and broader economic growth. The Governor also acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s efforts in combating insurgency, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

Governor Fubara reaffirmed the commitment of the Government and people of Rivers State to sustaining their support for the Nigerian Army, both in hosting the anniversary celebration and in ongoing operations aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure, strengthening internal security and promoting Nigeria’s economic stability.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in enhancing discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.

The COAS made this known on Friday, 3 July 2026, during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s (RSM’s) House in Port Harcourt.

The COAS noted that the provision of dedicated and quality accommodation for RSMs is not only a welfare initiative but also a strategic investment in strengthening leadership at the unit level.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further highlighted that RSMs serve as a vital link between officers and soldiers, fostering mutual trust, professionalism and esprit de corps. According to him, their influence on discipline, mentorship and troop motivation significantly contributes to mission success in all theatres of operation.

He added that providing conducive living conditions for key regimental leaders such as RSMs enhances their capacity to perform their responsibilities effectively, thereby improving overall operational readiness and performance. He reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, especially those in critical leadership roles, remains a top priority.

The COAS maintained that continuous investment in welfare infrastructure, particularly for leadership cadres like RSMs, is essential to building a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria’s dynamic security challenges.