The Nigerian military say they have arrested several terrorist informants, logistics suppliers and collaborators in coordinated operations across the country, dealing a significant blow to terrorist networks and criminal groups operating in the North-East and other regions.
The arrests formed part of military operations conducted between June 5 and June 11, 2026, during which troops also rescued hundreds of abducted civilians, recovered weapons and ammunition, and dismantled illegal oil bunkering sites.
According to a statement signed by the director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested multiple terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. A suspected informant was apprehended in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, while another was arrested during patrols in Madagali, Adamawa State.
Security forces also intercepted suspects allegedly supplying goods and materials to terrorists. One suspect was arrested in Damboa with dozens of mosquito nets, communication devices and technical equipment, while another was caught transporting food items reportedly purchased with funds linked to terrorists.
On June 11, troops intercepted 11 suspected terrorist collaborators travelling in two trucks in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
In Niger State, troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested a high-value terrorist informant who had been on a military watch list. Five additional suspects, including alleged terrorists and informants, were later arrested in separate operations within Borgu Local Government Area.
Military authorities said items recovered from the suspects included mobile phones, propaganda materials linked to terrorist commanders, cash and a motorcycle.
In Plateau State, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper informant in Mangu Local Government Area and recovered a concealed pistol from his residence. Security forces also arrested two wanted kidnappers in Barkin Ladi after they were identified by a former victim.
Beyond the arrests, troops recorded major successes against insurgents in the North-East. A large-scale operation in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State led to the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who had been held captive by terrorists since an attack on Ngoshe community in March.
The military said 358 of the rescued victims were evacuated for medical treatment and temporary shelter, while two infants died due to the harsh conditions encountered during the rescue mission.
Troops also recovered weapons, motorcycles and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition during various operations targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
In the South-East, troops arrested suspected members of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. Security forces recovered rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, grenades and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during raids in Enugu and Abia states.
Meanwhile, anti-oil theft operations in the South-South uncovered several illegal bunkering sites. Troops recovered thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products in Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Imo states.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, General Onoja, said the arrests and recoveries reflected the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the country.
“The recovery of weapons, arrest of terrorist informants and collaborators, dismantling of illegal oil operations, and rescue of scores of civilians from captivity represent significant milestones in the ongoing effort to restore lasting peace and security to affected communities,” he said.
He added that the Armed Forces remained committed to working with other security agencies and local communities to consolidate security gains and support the return of normal economic activities in affected areas while calling on citizens to continue supporting security operations with credible information, assuring that all intelligence provided would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
