The Defence Headquarters has said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede deeply appreciates the recent gesture by Air Peace, during which its staff and passengers accorded Nigerian military personnel a spontaneous standing ovation while boarding a flight in Abuja.
The gesture followed a directive by the airline’s Chairman, Mr Allen Onyema, that military and police personnel be accorded priority boarding and applauded in recognition of their service and sacrifices to the nation.
In a statement on Friday, on the weekly activities of military, the Director Defence Media Operation Major General Michael Onoja stated that “the widely shared gesture reflects the depth of public goodwill towards the nation’s security forces amid the prevailing security challenges. It also serves as a call to other stakeholders to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of defence and security personnel, as well as veterans, across the country.”
The CDS commends the gallantry, discipline and unrelenting resolve of troops across all theatres of operation for their remarkable successes in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists, dismantling criminal and secessionist networks, and disrupting illegal oil bunkering activities.
He also commends the sustained collaboration between troops and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders, whose synergy continues to yield tangible results in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and economic sabotage.
General Oluyede further commends the media for their continued professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations and appeals to members of the public, as well as traditional and community leaders, to continue providing useful information to security agencies to enhance the security architecture nationwide.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reassures all citizens of its unwavering commitment to sustaining the current tempo of operations.
On it’s operations the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded successes across all active theatres of operations nationwide, between 20 – 27 August 2026, its operation spokesperson has said.
Major General Onoja said these successes were achieved in the sustained campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality, and reflect the unwavering resolve of troops to secure lives, property and the territorial integrity of the nation.
According to him, in the North East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive operations against terrorism across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States.
On 22 August 2026, troops intercepted eight abductees, comprising three women and five children, around Ngoshe in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. On the same day, troops rescued three minors who had escaped from terrorist enclaves near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA.
While, between 23 and 27 August 2026, troops also arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, spies and fighters in Biu, Guzamala and Damboa LGAs of Borno State, as well as Michika LGA of Adamawa State.
On 27 August 2026, troops repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration along the Gulumba Gana axis in Dikwa LGA of Borno State, neutralising one terrorist, while two others escaped with gunshot wounds. All rescued persons were handed over to camp officials and community leaders for further care.
Meanwhile, during a clearance operation conducted between 26 and 27 August 2026 at Kopre Mountain in Hong LGA of Adamawa State, troops neutralised 21 terrorists, destroyed their camp and recovered six AK-47 rifles, 23 magazines and 586 rounds of ammunition, among other achievements recorded.