DHQ Updates on Operations Against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Other Militants

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

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), outlined a series of coordinated operations carried out between 4 and 11 June 2026. He said the aim was to eliminate all forms of criminality by troops deployed in every major operational theatre.

Onoja noted that the achievements, which spanned all geopolitical zones, reflected 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 reported that troops of Operation Hadin Kai applied sustained pressure on remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP through intensive patrols, clearing enclaves and severing vital logistic supply links.

He said that between 5 and 11 June 2026, troops conducted several tactical interceptions across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states. On 5 June, clearance operations in the Amuda general area of Gwoza LGA, Borno State, led to the safe recovery of an 8‑year‑old child, Ali Musa, who had escaped from a terrorist enclave in Saha.

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

“Furthermore, on 11 June, another three 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, when troops executed a highly sophisticated multi‑axis raid across the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza LGA, 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 3 March 2026.”

“Regrettably, two 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, nourishment, and safely housed in a secure holding area prior to their formal handover to local authorities.”

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

In Gujba LGA, Yobe State, a suspected terrorist informant was arrested at Buni Yadi on 5 June. Another informant was apprehended on 6 June 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, 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, carrying N100,000.00 worth of sweets and milk creamers funded directly by terrorists; another informant was arrested on 8 June 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, troops in Kukawa LGA, Borno State, intercepted 11 suspected collaborators in two Toyota trucks at Kekeno. Tactical victories were also recorded on 7 June when troops conducted an exploitation patrol along a withdrawal route following an attack in Mandaraugirau, Biu LGA.

Troops recovered seven motorcycles, a PKT gun, and over 1,070 rounds of ammunition. On 11 June, 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 recorded decisive gains against terrorists and criminal elements in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States, arresting scores of criminals including Mallam Mustapha Abubakar, believed to be an arms dealer.

In the North Central, the Joint Task Force, Operation Savannah Shield, operating in Borgu LGA, Niger State, conducted targeted operations that dismantled suspected terrorist surveillance networks, 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 successful operations across the country, such as Operation Enduring Peace in the North Central, Operation Delta Safe in the South South, and 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.