Linus Aleke in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified nationwide offensive against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, militancy and crude oil theft between 17 and 23 July 2026, recording significant operational successes across all theatres.
Interestingly, however, the sustained military pressure has forced a senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and several other high-ranking terrorist fighters to surrender to troops of Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the Nigerian military has said.
The military also stressed that troops sustained pressure on criminal networks and strengthened the security of strategic national assets.
According to a statement by Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the latest operational outcomes reflected the military’s coordinated approach to tackling the country’s diverse security threats through intelligence-led operations, offensive raids and multi-agency collaboration.
