The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has reported a series of significant tactical victories, including the interception of ₦37 million in suspected terrorist financing, the arrest of a high-profile terrorist’s wife, and the rescue of at least 46 kidnapped civilians.
In a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA News, the military detailed a week of high-intensity, intelligence-driven raids across seven major operational theatres. The week was also marked by the official flag-off of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Ilorin, Kwara State, by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, to secure the North Central borders.
Financial and Logistical Disruptions
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intercepted five individuals along the Maiduguri-Magumeri axis in Borno State carrying ₦37,000,000 in cash. While the suspects claimed the funds belonged to the NGO Action Against Hunger, the military has detained the individuals to investigate potential links to terrorist financing. Additionally, a suspected logistics supplier was arrested in Adamawa State with two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks.
High-Profile Arrests and Hostage Rescues
In the North Central, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded a major intelligence breakthrough with the arrest of Aisha Auta, the wife of a notorious wanted terrorist ringleader. Troops in this sector also neutralized several terrorists in Benue State during a fierce firefight at Kumeh village.
Across the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 26 kidnapped victims and received a boost of 25 sophisticated Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) donated by the Zamfara State Government. Meanwhile, Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau and Kaduna States rescued 11 victims, including five civilians snatched from Yardi village who were freed after a gun battle.
Maritime Security and Counter-Insurgency
In the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled four illegal refining sites and intercepted ₦5 million worth of methamphetamine (popularly known as “ICE”), highlighting a growing nexus between oil theft and international drug trafficking.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA conducted successful cordon-and-search operations in Ebonyi and Imo States. Joint patrols in Imo State resulted in the neutralization of several IPOB/ESN members and the recovery of assorted combat rifles.
Commitment to National Stability
Major General Onoja emphasized that the recovered hardware across all theatres includes Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, and IED-making materials.
The CDS, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their “sustained aggressive posture” and thanked the public for providing actionable intelligence. He urged citizens to continue using the national emergency toll-free line, 193, to report suspicious activities.
