The Armed Forces of Nigeria have released their third-quarter 2026 security report, highlighting significant successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other violent crimes. According to the report, troops neutralized 554 terrorists and other criminals, arrested 1,333 suspects, and rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians during operations across the country between July and September 2026. This achievement reflects sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations against various security threats.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the report's details at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja during a combined monthly and third-quarter media briefing on military operations. He stated that the operations also led to the surrender of 333 insurgents, recovery of 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition, destruction of 104 illegal refining sites, and recovery of 1,610,402 litres of stolen petroleum products. These figures demonstrate the military's continued efforts to combat insecurity across Nigeria.
In September 2026, the troops recorded significant operational gains, neutralizing 52 terrorists and criminals, arresting 350 suspects, rescuing 655 kidnapped civilians, and receiving the surrender of 75 insurgents. During the month, they also recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition, dismantled eight illegal refining sites, and recovered over 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products. Security forces recorded 367 attacks across various theatres of operation during September.
A zonal breakdown of the counter-terrorism operations revealed that Operation Hadin Kai in the North-east recorded the neutralization of 27 terrorist fighters, arrest of 49 suspects, rescue of 103 kidnapped victims, and surrender of 73 insurgents and their family members during September. The troops also rescued 44 family members of terrorists – 13 women and 31 children – at Konduga in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on September 24.
In the North-west, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma neutralized seven terrorists, arrested 26 suspects, and rescued 171 kidnapped victims in September. More than 60 kidnapped victims were rescued after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft disrupted the movement of terrorists in the Bazama area of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Operation Hadin Kai recorded 273 terrorists neutralized, 348 arrested, 297 kidnapped victims rescued, and 331 insurgents and their family members surrendering in the third quarter.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifices in the ongoing operations. He also acknowledged the support of sister security agencies, local security groups, and communities in containing insecurity across the country. The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been lauded for his counter-terrorism initiatives and policies, including expanding the army divisions and increasing military remuneration.
Despite the significant successes, it is essential to caution that much work remains to be done in the fight against insecurity. The military is urged not to rest on its oars until every part of Nigeria is safe and secured. The efforts of the military high command and international community collaboration are acknowledged, but sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal networks is necessary to achieve lasting peace and security.
Key points
- 554 terrorists neutralized in Q3 2026
- 1,333 suspects arrested in Q3 2026
- 1,736 kidnapped civilians rescued in Q3 2026
