The Armed Forces of Nigeria have rescued over eight hundred civilians and arrested more than one thousand suspected criminals during counter-terrorism and internal security operations across the country in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Major General Onoja disclosed that troops rescued 813 civilians and apprehended 1,359 suspects between January and March 2026.
He said that “the operations were part of ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and dismantle criminal networks threatening national security.”
He explained that the military remained actively engaged in multiple regions, including the North East, North West, North Central, South-South, and South-East, where counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and internal security missions are being conducted in support of civil authorities.
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These operations, he noted, have significantly disrupted the activities of insurgents and criminal groups.
According to him, in March, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained an aggressive and unrelenting kinetic campaign against remnants of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Yobe, and Gombe States.
He noted that operations during the quarter were bolstered by aerial reconnaissance, air interdiction missions, and close air support, which targeted insurgent strongholds in remote and border regions.
He added that in a significant development bearing testament to the operational pressure exerted on the terrorist group, ISWAP has confirmed the death of senior leader and Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.
In the same vein, the Director stressed that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained sustained operational tempo across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States through seamless integration of ground manoeuvres, air interdiction, real-time intelligence, and community collaboration in North West Nigeria.
He said, “Across the quarter, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, and rescued 386 kidnapped victims.”
General Onoja also stated that in North Central, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD extended their operational presence in Kwara and Niger states, conducting targeted intelligence-driven offensives against terrorist hideouts in forested corridors and border terrains.
He noted that on 1 March 2026, over 17 terrorists were neutralised at Roguwa Forest, Patigi LGA of Niger State.
According to him, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained coordinated security operations across Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kogi, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory.
He emphasised that in March 2026, key highlights include: interception of 802 bags of granular ammonium sulphate at a checkpoint in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State on 11 March; the rescue of multiple kidnapped victims across Plateau, Kogi, and Benue States; the arrest of nine drug suspects in Barkin Ladi LGA on 20 March; the dismantling of an illegal mining site along the Chaza–Izom axis into Gwagwalada, FCT, with eight suspects arrested on 18 March; and the neutralisation of one terrorist and recovery of arms at Owara Community, Lokoja LGA of Kogi State, on 24 March.
Furthermore, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained robust security operations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi States, addressing farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and kidnapping in North Central.
Additionally, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations to combat illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, and criminality across the South-South region and adjoining states.
During the quarter, troops arrested 219 suspects, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 547,920 litres of petroleum products, including crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Troops of Operation UDO KA targeted criminal elements of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), sustaining clearance and anti-criminality operations across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
The Director said that “during the quarter, troops arrested 91 suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped victims, recovering arms, ammunition, and IED materials, while over 80 militants surrendered to troops in January 2026.”
He noted that a key operation against an identified IPOB/ESN logistics hub saw terrorists repelled by superior firepower, with the battle damage assessment confirming the neutralisation of scores and the wounding of others.
In March 2026, key highlights include: discovery and safe destruction of 11 IEDs during route clearance along the Eketutu–Uda axis, Orsu LGA of Imo State, on 7–8 March; and the dismantling of three illegal refining sites in Egbema West LGA of Imo State.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended his profound appreciation to all AFN personnel for their sacrifice and dedication.
He commended the invaluable support of sister security agencies, the media, and the Nigerian public, whose cooperation and timely intelligence remain critical to operational success.
The CDS paid solemn tribute to those who paid the supreme price in service to the nation, reassuring their families that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed for officers who lost their lives defending their fatherland.