The Nigerian military has recorded major operational gains in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the country, with 662 terrorists neutralised, 1,084 suspects arrested, and 951 kidnapped victims rescued in the second quarter of 2026.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a press briefing on Wednesday, where he highlighted the Armed Forces’ achievements over the three-month period.
According to Onoja, troops also recorded the surrender of 39 insurgents, while recovering 328 arms and 12,590 rounds of ammunition. In addition, security forces dismantled 12 illegal oil refining sites and recovered over 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Providing a breakdown for June 2026 alone, Onoja revealed that 129 terrorists and criminal elements were neutralised, 486 suspects arrested, and 542 kidnapped civilians rescued.
He added that 11 insurgents surrendered within the month, while troops recovered 130 arms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition. Seven illegal refining sites were also dismantled, with over 308,515 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered.
He described the period as one marked by “exceptional operational achievements,” citing key successes such as the rescue of over 360 civilians from captivity, including a coordinated multi-axis operation at the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on June 6, 2026.
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Onoja further noted that the military successfully disrupted insurgent logistics networks, recovered large caches of weapons, intercepted illicit petroleum products, and targeted leadership structures of criminal groups, including IPOB/ESN elements.
He emphasised that all military operations were conducted in strict compliance with International Humanitarian Law and established rules of engagement, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting lives, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication across all operational theatres.
He also acknowledged the vital role played by local communities, Civilian Joint Task Forces, vigilante groups, and other security agencies whose intelligence contributions supported the successes recorded.
Oluyede reassured Nigerians of the military’s resolve to sustain and intensify operations until all threats to national security are neutralised, displaced persons safely return to their homes, and peace is fully restored nationwide.
He also urged citizens to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that national security remains a shared responsibility.
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