In spite of the modest achievements recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, the military said it is aware of the concerns, anxieties and expectations of Nigerians, admitting that much work remains to be done.

It noted that no level of operational success can fully compensate for the grief of those who have lost loved ones to the scourge of terrorism and kidnapping, saying “We carry that grief with us, and it fuels our resolve.”

The Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made the remarks during the weekly operational briefing on Friday, saying that between April 30 and May 7, 2026, troops arrested over 57 terrorists, neutralised 26, and rescued 35 kidnapped victims across the theatres.

Onoja said that the most impactful achievement recorded during the period was in the North Central theatre, where troops raided two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South LGA of Plateau State.

He said troops of the Quick Reaction Force, who conducted the raid, arrested five suspects in the act of producing illegal firearms. “Items recovered included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, seven AK-47 skeletons, four recoiling springs, four revolver engines, and an array of industrial drilling, filing, and welding machines,” he said.

Onoja said troops, in conjunction with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) apprehended a suspect along the Abaji – Kwali road in Abuja, who concealed 250 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition within the engine compartment of a saloon vehicle.

“Similarly, troops successfully recovered the remaining school children abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage on 27 April 2026. The group comprising five boys, two girls, and two adult women was intercepted within Agbaja Forest in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State and evacuated to a military medical facility,” he said.

According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede pledges to every Nigerian mother who prays for her children’s safety, to every farmer who wishes to return to his land without fear, to every student who deserves to learn in peace, and to every trader who must be free to conduct her livelihood without harassment. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never abandon you.

“We will not stand down until every Nigerian can live freely, safely, and with dignity in the land of their birth. This is our mandate. This is our mission. This is our promise to Nigeria.”