By Our Reporters
More than 400 terrorists and bandits were neutralised, 314 suspects arrested, and 221 kidnapped hostages rescued by Nigerian troops during nationwide operations between 4 May and 3 June 2026, according to daily statements and reports obtained by Spear News Nigeria.
The month-long offensive spanned the country’s six geopolitical zones, with the heaviest concentration of operations taking place in the North-East theatre, where troops of Operation Hadin Kai continued their aggressive push against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, terrorists.
While the Defence Headquarters in a monthly summary on 27 May placed the kill figure at 317, a Spear News review of daily statements from 4 May through 3 June reveals that separate air and ground operations added nearly one hundred additional confirmed neutralisations not reflected in that interim tally. These include joint United States-Nigerian airstrikes that killed over 20 ISWAP fighters in Metele on 17 May, another 21 in Areg, Kukawa Local Government Area, on 30 May, and 12 terrorists during a thwarted attack on the Kirawa axis on 22 May, among several other engagements across the North-West, North-Central, and South-South regions.
Historic Blow Against ISIS Global Leadership
The most significant single operation of the month occurred in the early hours of 16 May, when troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in close coordination with the United States Africa Command, executed a precision air-land assault at Metele in Borno State that resulted in the neutralisation of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the Islamic State’s global second-in-command and the most senior ISWAP commander operating in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region.
Al-Minuki, a United States-designated Specially Designated Global Terrorist since June 2023, was killed alongside several of his key lieutenants and multiple combatants. The operation commenced at approximately 0001 hours and concluded at about 0400 hours on 16 May, involving multiple air platforms in a synchronised air-land configuration that left the terrorists no avenue of escape. No casualties were recorded among Nigerian or American forces. The Military High Command authorised the operation. President Donald Trump acknowledged the success of the operation and publicly commended the partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
North-East Operations
On 12 May, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains rescued six abducted women and children at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda. The rescued victims were Aisha Musa, 18, Aisha Mohammed, 17, Fatima Yahaya, 20, Saudatu Musa, 4, Garba Mohammed, 5, and Mohammed Yahaya, three months old. They were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during an attack on the community on 3 March 2026. They received medical care and were reunited with their families through the community leader of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
On the same day, troops deployed at Tango 7 location in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate, Hauwa Bulama, 40. Items recovered included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes. Preliminary investigation indicated she was en route to Gezuwa to link up with four of her children suspected to be members of the terrorist group.
In a follow-up operation based on intelligence from ongoing investigations and communication intercepts, troops arrested two additional suspects identified as Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17, in Damaturu, Yobe State. The arrests were connected to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was apprehended while finalising plans to supply ammunition to terrorists.
On 14 May, troops conducted a sustained clearance operation along the Mandara Mountains axis at a suspected terrorist crossing point along the Amuda-Gava corridor, rescuing six abducted women and children, all residents of Ngoshe community. The rescued persons were identified as Amina Salihu, 52, Aishatu Musa, 50, twin sisters Hassana and Hussaina Abubakar, nine years each, Adamu Zakariyya, 12, and Usman Zakariyya, 10. They were received by the Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, provided medical attention, and reunited with their families. The Commander stated that a total of 60 women and children had been rescued since the attack on Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026.
Also on 14 May, troops of Sector 1 conducted successful operations at Bazamri village in Konduga Local Government Area, resulting in the neutralisation of two Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. Items recovered included logistics supplies such as detergent, salt, and a carton of spaghetti.
Troops deployed at Mainé checkpoint in Yobe State arrested a suspected Boko Haram collaborator, Ibrahim Alhaji Julo, 30, who was intercepted while moving in a red Golf vehicle with registration number KTG-397AA from Bauchi State. Preliminary investigations indicated he was using his vehicle to convey terrorist elements and facilitate illegal tax collection within communities. Items recovered included a mobile phone and an amount of money.
On 15 May, troops of Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma responded to a distress call reporting an attempt by the Lakurawa Terrorist Group to set fire to a Nigerian Immigration Service facility at Ruwa Wiri Village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Troops made contact with the terrorists, neutralising two in the ensuing firefight. Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, several rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops deployed in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, while on a fighting patrol, encountered terrorists moving with herds of rustled livestock at Danya Bakwai Settlement. Troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon 62 rustled livestock, which were handed over to their rightful owners at the palace of the Daddara District Head in Jibia Local Government Area.
On 17 May, the Defence Headquarters announced that fresh coordinated airstrike operations carried out with the support of the United States Africa Command killed over 20 suspected ISIS and ISWAP fighters in Metele, Borno State. The statement, issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, and obtained by Spear News, said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist fighters within the area.
On 19 May, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke deployed at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State neutralised two suspected bandits during a clearance operation. Acting on credible intelligence received on 18 May regarding the activities of suspected bandits at a hideout around Dooshima District, troops conducted a tactical raid. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one locally fabricated pistol, one Android phone, three small mobile phones, and two charm vests.
Also on 19 May, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Gajibo thwarted a coordinated attack by a large number of suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists mounted on motorcycles and armed with support weapons. The terrorists were detected as they advanced towards the town from multiple directions. Troops responded with heavy firepower, including mortar engagements, forcing the attackers to withdraw in disarray. No casualties were recorded among troops.
On the same day, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested two suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Gubio town. Both suspects, cattle rearers, were taken into custody. Acting on credible intelligence obtained from a surrendered terrorist associate, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier identified as Umar Ahmadu in Gwoza. The suspect reportedly confessed to supplying items to terrorists on multiple occasions.
A 17-year-old family member of a terrorist surrendered to troops along the Gwoza-Limankara axis after escaping from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains. Preliminary findings indicated that sustained military pressure and lack of basic necessities within the enclave contributed to his decision to surrender.
Troops also intercepted and rescued two male victims who had been kidnapped from Mafa town. The victims escaped from captivity under poor visibility conditions.
Also on 19 May, the Nigerian Air Force, through the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, destroyed multiple terrorist strongholds in precision air strikes targeting terrorist enclaves at Bukar Meram in the Southern Tumbuns area and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains. According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, the strikes followed credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. Several terrorists were neutralised, and planned attacks were disrupted. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stated: “We will continue to eliminate terrorism and restore peace across the country.”
Also on 19 May, troops of 4 Brigade under 2 Division Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during clearance operations codenamed Operation Ko Salo in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas of Edo State. The operations, which began on 12 May, cleared Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, Ekeke Forest, Ishiolli Village, Camp Sule Rugan Fulani, Uwarlor-Oke Forest, and the Udo Government Reserve Forest. Items recovered included motorcycles, mobile phones, and dangerous weapons.
On 20 May, the Defence Headquarters stated that Nigerian troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested over 40 suspects, and rescued at least nine kidnapped victims in nationwide operations between 15 and 21 May. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said in the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised two terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno and apprehended four suspected collaborators involved in cattle rustling. Several insurgents and their family members surrendered, including two adult females and seven minors in Dikwa. In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised at least four terrorists and arrested a major gunrunner supplying weapons to notorious bandit leaders. Troops also recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, one AK-47 rifle, and 216 rounds of ammunition, while a kidnapped school pupil was rescued in Katsina State. In the North-Central, troops under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke arrested key suspects, including a gang leader and informants, and recovered N2.29 million suspected to be ransom proceeds. Troops in Plateau arrested five suspects, while seven kidnapped victims were rescued in Kogi. In Taraba, a gunrunner linked to the supply of 23 AK-47 rifles was apprehended, while two terrorists were neutralised during clearance operations. In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested at least nine suspected kidnappers across Edo and Cross River, dismantled illegal oil refining sites, and seized about 3,000 litres of stolen crude oil. In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested four illegal miners and recovered a locally fabricated firearm.
On 22 May, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted coordinated offensives in the Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara general areas, neutralising two insurgents. Troops operating along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis neutralised one insurgent and recovered a radio set and a mobile phone.
Troops along the Ngoshe-Amuda corridor rescued an eight-year-old boy, Abubakar Mublagha, abducted during the 3 March attack on Ngoshe community. He was medically evaluated and reunited with his family.
Troops operating around Uvaha, a deserted village along the Gwoza-Limankara axis, rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani male identified as Dahiru Ahamdu. He disclosed that he escaped from his captors following intense artillery bombardments by troops which struck terrorist camps, neutralised two insurgents, and created panic within the enclave. He was abducted on 8 May while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and subsequently held in a terrorist hideout within the Mandara Mountains.
Troops deployed at Buni Gari recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosive ordnance abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza general area, including four 40-millimetre rocket-propelled grenade bombs, one 81-millimetre mortar bomb, and four 60-millimetre mortar bombs. Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams safely secured the items.
Troops arrested a suspected collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, over alleged links with terrorist elements.
Troops responded to a reported armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu. Items recovered included mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet, and a locally made firearm. A Dane gun earlier reported stolen was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
Troops in conjunction with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market with six rustled cattle.
Also on 22 May, troops along the Ngoshe-Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area rescued four abducted persons comprising two women and two children. The victims were Salamatu Sidiq Ali, 19, Halima Idrisa, 20, Umar Abdullahi, three, and Mustapha Abdullahi, four. They were among residents abducted during the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026. A total of 65 abducted persons had been rescued so far.
Troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator, Mrs Kellu Alhaji Abba, 50, at a checkpoint in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area. Items recovered included clothing materials and other supplies intended for delivery to a terrorist operative in the Dumba general area.
Troops arrested another suspected logistics supplier, Mr Amadu Abdu, 50, along the Dalori axis. He was intercepted while transporting a large quantity of packaged items allegedly meant for terrorists. Further investigation revealed he had been supplying logistics to insurgents in exchange for access to grazing areas. Recovered items included packaged goods, a mobile phone, a cutlass, suspected illicit substances, and cash.
Troops in conjunction with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market with stolen livestock.
Troops recorded the surrender of family members linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, including Aishatu Sale, 20, who surrendered in Bama Local Government Area, and Hauwa Abubakar, 70, who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains. They disclosed that sustained military pressure and lack of basic necessities within terrorist camps compelled their decision to flee.
Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine along a known terrorist withdrawal route.
On 23 May, troops of Operation Eastern Sanity II conducted a raid operation at approximately 0430 hours in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State. Acting on credible intelligence, troops raided a house suspected of harbouring cultists and other criminal elements at Achi Town. Items recovered included eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder. Three suspects were arrested: Mr Ozor Benjamin, 85, from Isikwe Achi, Mrs Miracle Eze, 26, and Mrs Ogechukwu Okorie, 29, both from Umuoka Achi.
Also on 23 May, troops thwarted an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists on troops location in the Kirawa axis of Sector 1 in the early hours of 22 May. Troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others retreated with gunshot wounds as indicated by blood trails. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun.
Also on 23 May, troops executed a swift rescue operation that freed 92 kidnapped victims from Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. At approximately 1122 hours, alert troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura detected terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the road using their surveillance system. The Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilised, and reinforcement troops from 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were activated. Converging on the terrorists towards the Mangari-Dora general area, troops engaged the insurgents and forced them to abandon their captives. All 92 victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females, and seven children, along with eight vehicles, were recovered.
Fleeing terrorists emplaced three improvised explosive devices along the Bula Zarma-Mangari general area. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team successfully detonated all three devices, clearing the route. Troops sustained zero personnel or equipment casualties.
On 24 May, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised two suspected armed bandits during a tactical operation in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. Acting on intelligence of gunshots heard in a forest near the Welcome to Donga signpost in Akate District, troops conducted a raid. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, five rounds of 7.62-millimetre special ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, and two mobile phones.
Also on 24 May, Operation Whirl Stroke troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba-Agasha road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, finding two injured locals who were evacuated for treatment. In Taraba State on the same day, troops responded to an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada-Donga road, neutralising two armed robbers and recovering one AK-47 rifle with three magazines, ammunition, and N39,950 in cash.
On 25 May, Operation Whirl Stroke troops responded to a kidnap report along the Antegh-Zongo road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, intercepting the abductors who abandoned two victims and fled. One suspect was arrested, and the rescued victims were reunited with their families.
On 26 May, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army took custody of a suspected recruitment fraudster, Mr Felix Yadeh, 51, arrested by vigilant members of a local vigilante group at Bantaje Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Preliminary investigations revealed he allegedly obtained N3,627,000 from unsuspecting members of the public under the false pretence of securing recruitment slots into the Nigerian Army. Items recovered included one Infinix Android mobile phone and N3,050 in cash. Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro warned that recruitment into the Nigerian Army is completely free, transparent, and merit-based.
On 28 May, troops successfully thwarted coordinated terrorist activities along the Buratai-Chara axis in Borno State. Following the sighting of large numbers of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists through surveillance systems, troops engaged with offensive fire, forcing them to withdraw. A total of 169 rounds of 7.62-millimetre ammunition was recovered. No casualties were recorded.
Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, conducted a successful ambush operation around Kasaicia village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, neutralising four Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and recovering two AK-47 rifles with empty magazines.
Troops rescued additional abducted civilians along the Ngoshe-Amuda axis, bringing the total number of rescued persons from the Ngoshe incident to 69. A kidnapped civilian was rescued in the Gwoza axis and disclosed that he escaped from terrorist captivity due to sustained military pressure and bombardment of terrorist enclaves within the Mandara Mountains.
Four civilians earlier rescued through collaboration with cross-border partners were formally received, medically attended to, documented, and reunited with their families.
On 29 May, troops of Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 31 kidnapped victims around the Bagega-Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State following a precision air interdiction by the air component and a follow-on ground operation on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest. The rescued individuals, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were identified as indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum, and Anka local government areas across Zamfara and Sokoto States. They were provided medical support.
In a separate operation in Zamfara on the same day, troops made contact with terrorists in the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis, neutralising two terrorists and destroying identified terrorist camps. Troops recovered several fabricated rifles and four motorcycles.
In Katsina State on 29 May, troops intercepted terrorists in transit at the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area who were preparing for an imminent attack. Following a firefight, troops neutralised three terrorists and recovered motorcycles and quantities of ammunition. One of the neutralised terrorists was later identified as a foot soldier of the notorious terrorist kingpin Muhammad Fulani.
On 30 May, troops of 12 Brigade under 2 Division Nigerian Army thwarted a planned kidnap operation and neutralised one terrorist during an ambush conducted in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. Acting on intelligence indicating plans to carry out kidnapping activities within Jakura II Community, troops laid an ambush along the Old Obajana-Tajimi Road. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62-millimetre special ammunition, one bandolier, and mobile phones.
On 31 May, the Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States Africa Command killed 21 ISWAP fighters in an airstrike in Areg, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. Sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that the operation took place after intelligence and surveillance confirmed the presence of ISWAP fighters in the area. The strike hit a terrorist camp where insurgents were reportedly planning attacks in the Lake Chad region.
Also on 31 May, Operation Whirl Stroke troops raided a bandit enclave at Imande Ighig in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, neutralising two bandits and recovering ammunition and related items.
On 1 June, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle-Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The rescue operation was launched after suspected bandits barricaded the highway and abducted several passengers in the early hours.
Acting on a distress call received at approximately 0330 hours, troops deployed from the Kabba metropolis. Although the kidnappers had fled before the arrival of security forces, troops initiated an aggressive pursuit. Two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries and were evacuated to St Joseph Hospital in Kabba. The pursuit forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 captives, who were rescued unharmed.
Also on 1 June, Operation Whirl Stroke reported that between 24 and 31 May, troops had neutralised four criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered one AK-47 rifle with ammunition, and dismantled a notorious illicit drug network. On 23 May, troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs and N781,000 in cash. A follow-up operation on 27 May led to the arrest of three more suspected drug peddlers with additional substances, a motorcycle, and N40,000.
Starlink Devices Uncovered
On 6 May, the Nigerian military uncovered how Boko Haram and ISWAP had acquired and deployed more than 400 Starlink satellite internet devices manufactured by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, Commander of Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed that the terminals were recovered during sustained offensives in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and other terrorist enclaves.
General Martins stated that the insurgents acquired the devices through two primary channels: cross-border smuggling routes from neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region, and civilians acting voluntarily or under duress who facilitated the purchase and transport of the devices.
“There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists,” he said.
The Starlink terminals gave ISWAP and Boko Haram encrypted high-speed internet in remote forest hideouts, secure real-time communication between commanders, access to encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Signal for planning attacks, and the ability to coordinate drone operations.
The discovery prompted Operation Hadin Kai to shift focus from purely kinetic operations to targeting terrorist communication and logistics networks.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, including communication equipment,” General Martins said. “We are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, fuel, and these devices across the theatre.”
The military has also partnered with local livestock markets to require proof of ownership before animals can be sold, cutting off a key financing source for insurgents who rustle cattle.
As one defence source put it: “The terrorists adapted. Now we are adapting faster.”
Military High Command Commends Troops
The Military High Command commended troops for their professionalism, resilience, and sustained operational successes, urging them to maintain the momentum in the collective interest of national security.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and tackling insurgency.
“There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” the military stated.
Reporting from Abuja
Figures compiled from daily statements and reports obtained by Spear News Nigeria from the Defence Headquarters, the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation Whirl Stroke, Operation Delta Safe, Operation Udo Ka, and Operation Eastern Sanity II for the period 4 May to 3 June 2026.
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