The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded major operational successes across the country’s theatres of operation during the second quarter of 2026, neutralising 662 terrorists and other criminal elements, arresting 1,084 suspects, and rescuing 951 kidnapped victims.
Speaking at the Second Quarter 2026 Media Briefing on ongoing military operations, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the briefing was aimed at providing timely, accurate and factual updates while reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism.
He said the achievements recorded during June and throughout the second quarter reflect the professionalism, operational effectiveness and determination of troops deployed across the country.
According to Onoja, troops neutralised 129 terrorists and criminals in June alone, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped civilians, secured the surrender of 11 insurgents, recovered 130 firearms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition, dismantled seven illegal refining sites, and recovered more than 308,515 litres of stolen petroleum products.
For the second quarter, the Armed Forces neutralised 662 terrorists and criminals, arrested 1,084 suspects, rescued 951 kidnapped victims, received the surrender of 39 insurgents, recovered 328 firearms and 12,590 rounds of ammunition, dismantled 12 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The Defence spokesman attributed the successes to sustained joint land operations, intelligence-led missions, close air support and coordinated offensives that weakened the operational capabilities of Boko Haram, ISWAP, the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as kidnapping syndicates, oil theft cartels and cross-border arms traffickers.
Providing updates from various operational theatres, Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. During the quarter, the operation neutralised 484 terrorists, arrested 370 suspects, rescued 595 kidnapped victims, and secured the surrender of 38 insurgents and their families.
He highlighted the June 6 operation in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State, where troops rescued 360 civilians—mostly women and children—who had remained in terrorist captivity since their abduction from Ngoshe in March. Troops also rescued 53 civilians and eight hijacked vehicles, repelled coordinated attacks, dismantled terrorist logistics networks, arrested collaborators and rescued abducted schoolchildren and a teacher in Borno State.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified offensives across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States. During the quarter, they neutralised 77 terrorists, arrested 210 suspects and rescued 153 kidnapped victims. Operations also led to the arrest of a notorious terrorist kingpin, seizure of over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and the interception of logistics supplies intended for terrorist groups.
Other operational theatres also recorded notable successes. Troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 48 suspects and rescued 38 kidnapped victims. Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised 32 terrorists, arrested 171 suspects and rescued 86 victims through sustained anti-kidnapping operations, while troops operating across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba States neutralised 37 terrorists, arrested 86 suspects and rescued 59 kidnapped victims.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE sustained the crackdown on oil theft, neutralising six criminals, arresting 53 suspects, dismantling seven illegal refining sites and recovering more than 308,515 litres of illegally refined petroleum products.
Major General Onoja said the operational gains demonstrate the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to restoring peace, stability and public confidence across Nigeria. He added that the military would consolidate these gains through sustained offensives, improved intelligence gathering and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
He also conveyed the assurance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, that the Armed Forces would continue to intensify operations against all security threats until affected communities are fully stabilised and Nigerians can live in peace and safety.
The Defence Headquarters urged citizens to support ongoing military operations by providing credible and timely intelligence through the nearest military formation or the Defence Headquarters’ toll-free emergency line, 193.
“National security is a shared civic responsibility,” Onoja said.
