The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) achieved significant successes in the third quarter of 2026, neutralising 554 terrorists and criminals, arresting 1,333 suspects, and rescuing 1,736 kidnapped civilians. These operations were conducted across the country, targeting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and secessionist activities. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed these figures at the Defence Headquarters Combined Monthly and Third Quarter Media Briefing in Abuja.
According to Onoja, the successes recorded in Q3 2026 reflect sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations against various security threats. The operations resulted in the surrender of 333 insurgents, capture of 244 arms, and 8,160 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 104 illegal refining sites were dismantled, and 1,610,402 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered. These achievements represent a significant degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide.
In September alone, troops recorded notable gains, neutralising 52 terrorists and criminals, arresting 350 suspects, and rescuing 655 kidnapped civilians. The month also saw the surrender of 75 insurgents, recovery of 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition, and dismantling of eight illegal refining sites. Furthermore, over 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during the month.
Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East region achieved significant results in September, neutralising 27 terrorist fighters, arresting 49 terrorists, rescuing 103 kidnapped victims, and receiving the surrender of 73 insurgents and their family members. On September 24, 44 terrorist family members, comprising 13 women and 31 children, were rescued at Konduga in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The North-East operation recorded a total of 273 terrorists neutralised, 348 arrested, 297 kidnapped victims rescued, and 331 insurgents and their families surrendering during the third quarter. In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised seven terrorists, arrested 26, and rescued 171 kidnapped victims during the month.
The Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West also recorded the rescue of more than 60 kidnapped victims after a Nigerian Air Force jet disrupted the movement of terrorists in the Bazama area of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State. These operations demonstrate the military's commitment to addressing insecurity in the region.
The military's efforts to combat insecurity in Nigeria are ongoing, with troops sustaining operations across the country. The achievements recorded in Q3 2026 demonstrate the effectiveness of these operations in degrading the capacity of terrorists and criminals.
Key points
- The Nigerian military neutralised 554 terrorists and rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians in Q3 2026.
- Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East region recorded significant results, including the neutralisation of 27 terrorist fighters and rescue of 103 kidnapped victims in September.
- The military's operations resulted in the surrender of 333 insurgents and recovery of 1,610,402 litres of stolen petroleum products.
