By Helen Udo.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes recorded during military operations conducted across the country in June 2026 and the second quarter of the year.
The Defence Headquarters(DHQ) said the operations targeted terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, arms traffickers, and other criminal elements through coordinated land, air, and intelligence-driven missions.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations(DDMO) revealed to Newsmen at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja on 1 July 2026,he said for the second quarter of 2026, the AFN recorded 662 terrorists and criminals neutralised, 1,084 arrested, 951 kidnapped civilians rescued, 39 insurgents surrendered, 328 arms recovered and over 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products seized.
Maj. Gen Onoja disclosed that during the month of June, troops neutralised 129 terrorists and criminals, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped victims, secured the surrender of 11 insurgents, recovered 130 weapons and 5,538 rounds of ammunition, dismantled seven illegal refining sites, and recovered over 308,515 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised 76 terrorists, arrested 97 suspects, rescued 465 kidnapped victims and facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents and their families.
One of the biggest achievements was the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, during a multi-axis operation in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after months in terrorist captivity.
Troops also foiled several terrorist attacks, rescued additional civilians, intercepted collaborators, and recovered weapons during sustained operations across Borno and Adamawa states.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised 33 terrorists, arrested 165 suspects and rescued 51 kidnapped victims while recovering sophisticated weapons and disrupting terrorist logistics.
The operation also led to the arrest of a notorious terrorist kingpin, arms traffickers and logistics suppliers, while several kidnapped victims regained freedom through coordinated rescue missions.
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in the North Central, troops arrested 19 terrorists and rescued four kidnapped victims through offensive operations across Niger, Kwara, Ogun and Oyo states.
Several terrorist informants, kidnappers and collaborators were also arrested following intelligence-led operations that disrupted criminal networks in the region.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised five terrorists, arrested 87 suspects and rescued 18 kidnapped victims during operations in Southern Kaduna and Plateau State.
The military noted that all operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian law and established rules of engagement while protecting lives and national assets.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to sustain offensive operations until peace and stability are restored across the country, while urging Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
