The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded major operational successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities across the country, with troops killing 662 terrorists and criminal elements, arresting 1,084 suspects and rescuing 951 kidnapped victims during the second quarter of 2026.
The figures were disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He explained that the achievements were the result of sustained military campaigns involving ground operations, intelligence gathering, air support and coordinated efforts across Nigeria’s various security theatres.
According to Onoja, the military has shifted its strategy beyond traditional battlefield engagements by targeting the wider networks that support criminal groups, including financiers, informants, arms suppliers, logistics providers and collaborators.
He said troops carried out operations aimed at weakening the structures that allow terrorist and criminal organisations to survive, while also restoring stability and confidence in affected communities.
“The Armed Forces recorded significant and far-reaching operational successes across all operational theatres during the month of June as well as the Second Quarter of 2026,” Onoja stated.
He added that the military had continued to degrade the capabilities of major security threats, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), its armed wing Eastern Security Network (ESN), kidnapping gangs, illegal oil bunkering groups and cross-border arms trafficking networks.
North-East Records Highest Counter-Terrorism Operations
The North-East region remained the main focus of military operations during the quarter, particularly under Operation Hadin Kai, where troops continue to battle insurgency groups.
In the region, troops killed 484 terrorists, arrested 370 suspects and rescued 595 kidnapped victims.
The operation also recorded the surrender of 38 insurgents and their family members, reflecting ongoing efforts to encourage defections from terrorist groups while continuing offensive operations.
One of the major successes during the period was a military operation in the Mandara Mountains area of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops rescued 360 civilians, mostly women and children.
The rescue operation was part of a wider offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and freeing communities held under the influence of insurgents.
North-West Operations Target Bandits and Criminal Networks
In the North-West, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma intensified attacks against bandit groups and criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and attacks on communities.
The military recorded 77 terrorists killed, 210 suspects arrested and 153 kidnapped victims rescued.
The operations also targeted the supply chains supporting criminal activities, with troops intercepting arms traffickers, logistics suppliers and collaborators operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Security forces have increasingly focused on disrupting the movement of weapons, intelligence and resources that enable bandit groups to carry out attacks.
North-Central Operations Disrupt Criminal Infrastructure
The North-Central region also witnessed increased military activity as troops focused on dismantling criminal networks responsible for insecurity in several communities.
Under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke, troops killed 83 terrorists, arrested 305 suspects and rescued 183 kidnapped victims.
Major General Onoja explained that the operations were designed not only to confront armed groups directly but also to destroy their support systems.
He said several missions specifically targeted terrorist informants, kidnappers’ collaborators, illegal arms couriers and individuals providing logistics support to criminal groups.
These operations, he noted, disrupted the networks that sustain insecurity in the region.
South-East Operations Against IPOB/ESN Networks
In the South-East, the military continued operations under Operation Udo Ka, focusing on armed groups and criminal activities linked to insecurity in the region.
Troops neutralised 12 terrorists, arrested 115 suspects and rescued 20 kidnapped victims during the quarter.
The military also recovered weapons, improvised explosive devices and ammunition during targeted operations.
According to Onoja, some key commanders and logistics operators linked to IPOB/ESN activities were apprehended during raids aimed at reducing the group’s operational capacity.
South-South Focuses on Oil Theft and Economic Crimes
The South-South region recorded operations mainly focused on illegal oil refining, crude oil theft and organised criminal activities.
Under Operation Delta Safe, troops killed six criminal elements, arrested 84 suspects and destroyed 12 illegal refining sites.
The military also recovered more than 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products, dealing a significant setback to illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.
The operations targeted criminal networks involved in economic sabotage and activities that threaten Nigeria’s oil sector.
Shift From Battlefield Battles to Network Disruption
The latest figures indicate a change in the military’s approach to insecurity, with more emphasis placed on dismantling criminal ecosystems rather than only engaging fighters on the battlefield.
The number of arrests , 1,084 suspects compared with 662 terrorists killed , suggests increased focus on capturing individuals involved in intelligence gathering, financing, arms supply, recruitment and logistics.
Security analysts have often pointed out that terrorist and criminal groups rely on wider networks of support to operate effectively.
By targeting these networks, the military aims to weaken the ability of such groups to recruit fighters, obtain weapons and coordinate attacks.
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Military Promises Continued Operations
Major General Onoja assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue sustained operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and illegal arms trafficking.
He said the military remained committed to consolidating the gains recorded across all regions and restoring peace and stability.
The Defence Headquarters also reaffirmed that security operations would continue through coordinated actions involving intelligence gathering, ground forces and air capabilities.
The military’s second-quarter report highlights the scale of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, while also showing increased efforts to tackle the groups and networks responsible for violence and criminal activities across the country.
