The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has directed Commanders at all levels to maintain operational momentum, prioritise troop welfare and uphold the highest professional standards in the protection of the civilian population within their areas of operations.

Oluyede reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to the protection of lives, property, and national interest across every corner of the country, calling on communities to sustain their invaluable partnership with security forces by providing timely and accurate intelligence to the appropriate authorities.

The Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this at news conference on Friday.

He said that the CDS also urged the media to responsibly highlight the sacrifices of troops whose daily dedication secures the peace that citizens enjoy, and encourages the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and hopeful.

“The CDS reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to transparency, operational accountability, and the sustained pursuit of a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria for all its citizens,” Onoja said.

Oluyede vowed that he AFN will not waver nor relent in its determination to defeat terrorism, separatist violence, pipeline vandalism, and every form of criminality threatening the peace, unity, and sovereignty of Nigeria.

Speaking during the briefing, Onoja said that in the past week, troops neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested over 25 suspects/collaborators/gunrunners, and rescued more than 63 kidnapped victims.

Between April 30 and May 7, 2026, troops arrested over 57 terrorists, neutralised 26, and rescued 35 kidnapped victims across the country.

According to him, various calibre of weapons, ammunition, and stolen petroleum products were recovered during the period.

He said that on 8 May 2026, a terrorist logistics convoy crossing from Cameroon into Nigeria, was intercepted by troops on ambush along the Banki-Kumshe Road in Bama LGA of Borno State, forcing the insurgents to withdraw and abandon their supplies.

Onoja disclosed that bicycles, jerrycans of fuel, surgical drips, assorted medications, motorcycle parts, phone batteries, food items, and sundry materials.were recovered from them.

Oluyede commended the gallantry, discipline, and professionalism demonstrated by troops across all theatres of operation during the week, acknowledging the enormous sacrifices of the officers and soldiers who lay down their lives in the service of the nation.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice.