The Nigerian military has reported a significant decrease in attacks across its various theatres of operation. According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, the number of attacks fell by 73.3 per cent in October 2026, with a total of 98 incidents recorded compared to 367 in September. This represents a reduction of 269 attacks within one month. The military attributes this decline to sustained efforts by troops across the different theatres.
A breakdown of the October figures shows that Operation Enduring Peace recorded the highest number of attacks with 29 incidents, followed by Operation Hadin Kai with 27 and Operation Fansan Yamma with 24. Operation Whirl Stroke recorded 12 attacks, while Operation Udo Ka recorded four, and operations Delta Safe and Savannah Shield recorded one attack each. The military's operational gains are a result of continued efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
The October figure marks a significant decline from September, when Operation Enduring Peace recorded 147 attacks, Operation Fansan Yamma 115, Operation Whirl Stroke 55, Operation Hadin Kai 33, Operation Savannah Shield 13, and Operation Udo Ka four, while Operation Delta Safe recorded none. This reduction in attacks is a positive development in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
Despite the reduction in attacks, the military has reported significant successes in its operations. Troops neutralised more than 217 terrorists and criminals, arrested 333 suspects, and rescued 349 kidnap victims during the month. Additionally, 70 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 105 arms and 3,174 rounds of ammunition were recovered. These achievements demonstrate the military's commitment to protecting the country and its citizens.
The military also made significant strides in the fight against crude oil theft. Troops recovered 756,837 litres of stolen crude oil products and destroyed 49 illegal refining sites during operations. These efforts aim to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs and protect the country's oil resources.
The Director of Defence Media Operations expressed condolences to the government and people of Taraba State over the killing of civilians in terrorist attacks in Binari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, on October 23. He quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, as assuring Nigerians that the military would intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attacks and bring them to justice.
The Chief of Defence Staff also urged troops to remain disciplined, uphold the rules of engagement, and respect human rights, while warning against complacency, particularly as the festive season approaches. He called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint planning, while urging community leaders and residents to report suspicious activities to security formations or through the military's toll-free line, 193.
Key points
- The Nigerian military recorded a 73.3% drop in attacks across its theatres of operation in October 2026.
- Troops neutralised over 217 terrorists and criminals, arrested 333 suspects, and rescued 349 kidnap victims in October.
- The military recovered 756,837 litres of stolen crude oil products and destroyed 49 illegal refining sites during operations.
