The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians, arrested 1,333 terrorist and criminal suspects and neutralised 554 terrorists and criminals during military operations across the country in the third quarter of 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Defence Headquarters Combined Monthly and Third Quarter Media Briefing in Abuja.
Onoja said troops also recorded the surrender of 333 insurgents during the period, while recovering 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition from various theatres of operation.
He added that 104 illegal refining sites were dismantled, with more than 1.61 million litres of stolen petroleum products recovered during operations in the country.
According to him, Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East neutralised 273 terrorists, arrested 348 suspects and rescued 297 kidnapped victims. The operation also facilitated the surrender of 331 insurgents and their family members.
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised 230 terrorists, arrested 147 suspects and rescued 508 kidnapped victims.
Onoja said operations in the North-Central region also resulted in arrests, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of weapons and the clearance of improvised explosive devices.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe arrested 181 criminals, destroyed 104 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 1.61 million litres of stolen petroleum products.
He further disclosed that Operation UDO KA in the South-East neutralised 10 terrorists, arrested 75 suspects, rescued 20 kidnapped victims and facilitated the surrender of two secessionists.
The Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces recorded 367 attacks across various theatres during the third quarter. Operation Enduring Peace recorded 147 attacks, followed by Operation Fansan Yamma with 115, Whirl Stroke with 55, Hadin Kai with 33, Savannah Shield with 13 and UDO KA with four, while Delta Safe recorded no attacks.
Onoja said operational figures varied from month to month due to changes in the security environment.
He disclosed that September alone recorded 581 civilians rescued, 345 arrests and 75 surrenders, while troops recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition.
The Defence Media Operations Director said the Armed Forces would continue kinetic and non-kinetic operations nationwide while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and local communities.
He said the military would also sustain efforts to protect lives and property, safeguard critical national infrastructure and improve security across the country.
