The Defence Headquarters says troops neutralised 662 terrorists and criminals, arrested 1,084 suspects, and rescued 951 kidnapped civilians during the Second Quarter of 2026 in nationwide counter-insurgency and anti-crime operations across all theatres in the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a briefing on ongoing military operations for June and the second quarter of 2026 in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. He noted that the operations significantly degraded the operational capacity of terrorist groups, criminal gangs, and separatist networks across the country, facilitating the surrender of 39 insurgents and the recovery of 328 weapons, alongside 12,590 rounds of ammunition within the period.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant and far-reaching operational successes across all theatres during the period under review,” Onoja said.
According to him, troops rescued 542 kidnapped victims in June alone and 951 civilians during the quarter. He added that security forces also dismantled illegal oil refining sites and intercepted stolen petroleum products used to fund criminal operations.
The Defence Headquarters said troops destroyed seven illegal refining sites in June and 12 during the quarter, while also recovering over 308,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in June and more than 464,000 litres within the period.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai maintained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. The military said troops neutralised 484 terrorists, arrested 370 suspects, and rescued 595 kidnapped persons during the quarter.
A major breakthrough occurred on 6 June 2026, when troops stormed the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State and freed 360 civilians from captivity.
“The landmark multi-axis rescue at the Mandara Mountains represents one of the most significant humanitarian operations of the quarter,” the Defence Headquarters stated.
Troops also repelled multiple attacks, disrupted logistics networks, and recovered arms and ammunition during clearance operations across the region.
In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma recorded 77 terrorist neutralisations, 210 arrests, and 153 rescued victims during the quarter. Troops conducted clearance operations in Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi States, targeting bandit camps and supply routes.
In the North Central, troops under Operations Whirl Stroke, Enduring Peace and Savannah Shield neutralised dozens of criminals and rescued kidnapped victims across Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa States.
“The cumulative operational gains reflect the sustained degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide,” the military said.
In the South South, Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against oil theft and kidnapping. Troops dismantled illegal refining sites, arrested suspects, and recovered over 464,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during the quarter.
In the South East, Operation Udo Ka targeted IPOB and ESN structures. Troops neutralised 12 criminals, arrested 115 suspects, and recovered arms, ammunition and explosives used by the group.
The Air Component of the Armed Forces also conducted precision strikes during the period. The Air Force said the missions were executed in compliance with international law and rules of engagement.
“Both operations were executed following positive target identification and in full compliance with extant Rules of Engagement and the Law of Armed Conflict,” the Air Component stated.
The Defence Headquarters said civil-military cooperation also formed part of ongoing operations, including humanitarian support, community development projects and collaboration with international agencies.
It added that troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements until lasting peace is achieved nationwide, while urging citizens to continue providing timely intelligence, stressing that national security remains a shared responsibility.
