NATIONWIDE: Military Kills 317 Terrorists, Rescues 221 Civilians, Destroys Arms Factories in One Month
The Defence Headquarters says troops killed 317 terrorists and criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects, and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians across multiple theatres of operation in May 2026.
This was revealed by the Director of Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during the monthly briefing on ongoing military operations in Abuja on Tuesday.
He noted that troops also recovered 93 assorted weapons, destroyed illegal arms manufacturing sites, and dismantled oil theft networks across the country.
According to the military, the coordinated land, air and maritime offensives were carried out under various joint task forces, covering the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East theatres.
In the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai, troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba States.
The operations led to the neutralisation of 73 terrorists, arrest of 159 suspects, rescue of 112 civilians, and surrender of 18 insurgents.
Several operations also disrupted cross-border logistics networks, with troops intercepting supplies, neutralising attackers in multiple engagements, and rescuing abducted women and children from terrorist enclaves in Bama, Damboa, Geidam and other locations.
The military said one of the most significant engagements occurred in Magumeri, where troops repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack, neutralising several fighters and recovering heavy weapons, though two soldiers were killed in action.
In the North-West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 13 suspects and rescued 22 civilians across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The Defence Headquarters said coordinated air and ground operations, including the use of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, were key to repelling multiple attacks and dismantling armed groups.
Notably, a major assault in Zamfara was repelled with support from air platforms, while troops also neutralised terrorists in Katsina and Sokoto during clearance operations and ambushes.
Arms, ammunition, motorcycles and cash were recovered in several engagements.
In the North-Central region, troops operating under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke recorded major breakthroughs against kidnapping syndicates and arms trafficking networks.
Across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory, troops arrested dozens of suspects and rescued 62 civilians.
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One of the most significant operations was the dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing facility in Jos, where troops recovered fabricated rifles and weapons production equipment.
In the FCT, 61 suspects linked to organised criminal networks were arrested during a coordinated raid, while several kidnappers and informants were also apprehended across forested hideouts in surrounding states.
Troops also intercepted ransom cash, ammunition shipments, and logistics supplies linked to armed groups operating along major corridors.
In the South-South under Operation Delta Safe, troops arrested 14 suspects, destroyed three illegal refining sites, and recovered over 21,900 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The military said operations targeted crude oil theft syndicates in Rivers, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
Several high-value interceptions were recorded, including the seizure of illegally refined petroleum products, destruction of bunkering camps, and arrest of suspects operating modified vehicles used for fuel theft.
A major operation in Rivers State also led to the interception of a convoy transporting stolen Premium Motor Spirit in concealed compartments.
In the South-East under Operation Udo Ka, troops neutralised three terrorists, arrested 60 suspects and rescued 18 civilians.
The Defence Headquarters said operations targeted IPOB/ESN-linked elements, gunrunners, kidnappers and illegal miners across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Weapons, ammunition, counterfeit currency and logistics supplies were recovered during raids and clearance operations in forested enclaves and rural communities.
Troops also rescued kidnapped victims and dismantled several criminal hideouts used for coordination and logistics.
The Defence Headquarters said the figures reflect sustained pressure on criminal groups across all regions and a growing operational advantage for the Armed Forces.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their “gallantry, resilience and professionalism” during the month under review, noting that the Armed Forces remain committed to dismantling all criminal networks threatening national security.
He also expressed condolences to families of fallen personnel, saying their sacrifices remain central to Nigeria’s ongoing security efforts.
Oluyede directed commanders to sustain operational momentum while prioritising troop welfare and strengthening intelligence-led operations.
He further urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that community cooperation has been critical to recent operational successes.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country, insisting that ongoing operations will be intensified in the coming months.
By PRNigeria
