By Odita Sunday
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralised 324 terrorists and other criminals, arrested 373 suspects and rescued 610 kidnapped victims across the country in August 2026.
The military also recorded the surrender of 201 terrorists, recovered 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition, while troops dismantled 21 illegal refining sites and recovered 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products during the month.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday during the monthly press briefing on ongoing military operations.
Onoja said the Armed Forces sustained an aggressive operational tempo across the country’s geopolitical zones, combining land, air and maritime operations to degrade terrorist and criminal networks, rescue abducted citizens, disrupt arms trafficking and protect critical national assets.
He said troops under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East sustained counter-terrorism operations in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states, rescuing 60 kidnap victims, neutralising 114 terrorists, arresting 146 suspects and recording the surrender of 201 terrorists.
According to him, troops also intensified operations against terrorist logistics networks, informants and collaborators, while several abductees were rescued from terrorist enclaves in Borno State.
He said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West rescued 126 kidnap victims, neutralised 190 terrorists and arrested 47 suspects during the period.
Onoja said the operation also led to the recovery of weapons, explosives, motorcycles and other items, while several terrorist logistics suppliers, informants and collaborators were arrested.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 329 kidnap victims, neutralised seven terrorists and arrested four suspects in Kwara and Niger states.
A major breakthrough, he said, was the rescue of 308 abducted persons, mainly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State on August 5.
He added that Operation ENDURING PEACE, covering Plateau and adjoining areas, rescued 15 kidnap victims, neutralised five terrorists and arrested 82 suspects during the month.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops operating across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states rescued 38 kidnap victims, neutralised three terrorists and arrested 31 suspects.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other weapons, as troops intensified efforts against kidnapping, terrorism and arms trafficking.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested 43 criminals, rescued 38 civilians and dismantled 21 illegal refining sites.
Onoja said troops also recovered hundreds of thousands of litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and neighbouring areas.
He said the military’s offensive against oil thieves included the destruction of illegal refining sites, disruption of crude oil storage infrastructure and interception of vehicles and boats transporting suspected stolen petroleum products.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested 20 criminals, neutralised five terrorists and rescued four civilians.
The operation also recorded the arrest of suspected members and collaborators of secessionist and kidnapping networks, recovery of weapons and explosives, and destruction of hideouts linked to armed groups.
Onoja said the Air Component of the Armed Forces also sustained precision strikes, armed reconnaissance and surveillance missions in support of ground operations.
He said air operations in Niger State, particularly around Mariga, resulted in the neutralisation of scores of terrorists and disrupted the movement of large groups of fighters and their logistics.
The Defence spokesman said the military’s operations were complemented by civil-military cooperation activities, including peace and security meetings, humanitarian escorts, donations of educational materials and provision of basic amenities to affected communities.
He said troops also continued to work with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness.
Onoja quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, as commending troops for their gallantry, discipline and sacrifices in protecting Nigerians and defending the territorial integrity of the country.
Oluyede also sympathised with families of civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the month and wished injured personnel and other victims speedy recovery.
The CDS urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that the fight against terrorism and criminality remained a collective responsibility.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the current operational tempo until peace and stability were consolidated across the country.
The military urged members of the public to provide timely information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free number 193, assuring that information received would be treated confidentially.
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