The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said air operations conducted by the Nigerian Armed Forces in August resulted in the killing of more than 164 terrorists and the destruction of about 300 motorcycles in Niger State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the country during the month of August.
Onoja said the Air Component sustained combat support operations across various theatres through precision airstrikes, armed reconnaissance and surveillance missions aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and denying criminals freedom of action.
According to him, on August 6, 2026, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted surveillance over Kampani Bobi and Beri settlements in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State before carrying out a precision airstrike against terrorists who were said to have assembled for hostile activities.
“Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the neutralisation of the terrorists, with secondary explosions indicating the destruction of additional logistics and equipment, including explosive ordnance,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that an armed reconnaissance mission was carried out on August 9 over the Sangeko and Baba-Doka areas of Mariga LGA following reports of a large concentration of terrorists, many of whom were mounted on motorcycles.
The aircraft reportedly engaged the terrorists with rockets and cannon fire, disrupting their movement and activities.
“Initial reports indicated approximately 120 bodies and about 300 motorcycles at the location, with monitoring continuing to further assess the outcome,” Onoja said.
He added that on August 13, armed reconnaissance around Maburya in Mariga LGA identified a large group of terrorists accompanied by rustled cattle.
According to him, an aircraft subsequently conducted a clearance patrol along the Kainji-Daban Woko axis and armed reconnaissance over Maburya and adjoining areas, where terrorists were sighted fleeing with a herd of stolen cattle.
“The targets were engaged with onboard weapon systems, effectively disrupting their movement and activities and resulting in the neutralisation of 46 terrorists,” he stated.
Giving an overview of military operations across the country during the month, Onoja said troops neutralised more than 324 terrorists and other criminals, arrested 373 suspects and rescued 610 kidnapped victims.
He added that 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the period.
The military also recorded successes in its fight against crude oil theft, recovering about 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil and other petroleum products and destroying 21 illegal refining sites.
“The operational record for the month of August stands as compelling testimony to the sustained resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to ensure a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace to thrive in our country,” Onoja said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops across all theatres of operation for their gallantry, discipline, resilience and commitment to national security.
Oluyede also recognised the sacrifices made by military personnel in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal and secessionist networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting critical national assets.
The CDS sympathised with the families of civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the period and wished injured personnel and other victims a speedy recovery.
He also commended the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other security agencies for their collaboration and operational synergy.
Oluyede further appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public for providing credible information and cooperation that continue to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The CDS also praised the media for what he described as professional, responsible and balanced reportage of military operations and urged sustained partnership in keeping the public informed while safeguarding operational security.
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In a related development, Oluyede acknowledged a recent gesture by Air Peace, whose staff and passengers reportedly gave Nigerian military personnel a spontaneous standing ovation while boarding a flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The gesture followed a directive by the airline’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, that military and police personnel should be accorded priority boarding and applauded in recognition of their service and sacrifices.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reassured Nigerians of their commitment to sustaining the current operational tempo, protecting lives and property, defending the nation’s territorial integrity, and working with relevant stakeholders to consolidate peace, stability and security.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193, assuring that all information received would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
