Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday disclosed that significant operational successes has been recorded nationwide against terrorists in the first quarter of 2026, with “scores of terrorists neutralised, 1,359 suspects arrested, 813 kidnapped civilians rescued, and 219 oil thieves apprehended” as security forces intensified operations against criminal elements.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director Defence Media Operations, released the figures during a first quarter and monthly media briefing at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, the Nigeria military has mobilised ongoing efforts by the troops spanning counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, and anti-oil theft operations in all theatres of operations across the geo-political zones in the country to eliminate terrorism and insurgency.
He noted that in north-eastern Nigeria, troops under Operation HADIN KAI carried out sustained offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters.
According to him, “troops arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 90 insurgents and their families,” while “several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters were neutralised.”
He stated that among those killed was ISWAP commander Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, whose killing was described by the group as a major loss.
Major General Onoja further explained that in March, troops also eliminated senior commanders, including Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago, and Ba Alayi Benbem, alongside dozens of fighters in Sambisa Forest.
In the north-west, he reported that “114 suspects” were arrested and “386 kidnapped victims” rescued during operations targeting armed groups.
He said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained onslaughts against terrorist groups across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States with significant achievements recorded.
He noted that troops during the raids destroyed the Lakurawa terrorists enclave in Tangaza Local Government of Sokoto state, arrested 15 logistics suppliers, and arrested a suspected gunrunner in Kaduna state with 200 rounds of 7.62× 39mm ammunition.
Meanwhile, in the north-central region, security forces recorded multiple arrests and weapons seizures. Under various operations, “210 suspects” were arrested, and “61 kidnapped victims” were rescued, while additional operations led to the arrest of “139 suspects” and the rescue of “73 kidnapped victims.”
Troops also intercepted large quantities of suspected explosive materials and dismantled illegal mining activities.
In the oil-rich south-south region, troops intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
The military said “troops arrested 219 suspects linked to oil theft and related crimes, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products including crude oil, AGO, DPK, and PMS.”
Operations also led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the rescue of victims in several states.
In the south-east, troops targeting armed groups linked to IPOB/ESN reported that “troops arrested 91 suspects, rescued 14 kidnapped victims, and recovered arms, ammunition, and IED-making materials,” while “over 80 militants surrendered in January.”
In March, the military added, troops “discovered and safely destroyed 11 IEDs” and dismantled illegal refining sites.
While highlighting some milestone successes during operations across the country, the Director said troops had eliminated scores of terrorists and their criminal leaders, arrested 1,359 suspects, rescued 813 kidnapped civilians, and 197 insurgents surrendered.
He also reported the recovery of hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition, alongside the dismantling of illegal refining infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the commitment of troops to operating within the international law, stating operations are conducted in line with the “Rules of Engagement, International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Conventions, and all applicable legal frameworks.
END
