Troops kill scores of terrorists, arrest 1,359 suspects in Q1 – DHQ

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 1,359 suspects and rescued 813 kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation in the first quarter of 2026.

Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a media briefing on ongoing military operations in Abuja.

He said the operations, conducted across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East, also led to the surrender of 197 insurgents, recovery of 458 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition, dismantling of 101 illegal refining sites, and recovery of over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products.

In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensives against Boko Haram andISWAP, neutralising several fighters, arresting 274 suspects and rescuing 168 kidnapped victims, while 90 insurgents and their families surrendered within the period.

The Director, Media Operations said the operational pressure led to the confirmed killing of a senior ISWAP leader, Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as a major blow to the group’s leadership structure.

He added that in March alone, troops carried out precision strikes on terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest, eliminating top commanders and dozens of fighters, while also repelling coordinated attacks in Borno and Yobe states.

In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma recorded the arrest of 114 suspects and rescue of 386 kidnapped victims, alongside the destruction of terrorist enclaves and interception of logistics supplies.

Troops also apprehended a suspected gunrunnerin Kaduna State with 200 rounds of ammunition, following intelligence-led operations.

In the North Central region, operations under Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace led to the neutralisation of terrorists, arrests of over 200 suspects and rescue of dozens of victims, with several arms and improvised explosive device materials recovered.

Onoja said troops also intercepted large quantities of suspected explosive materials and dismantled illegal mining operations involving foreign nationals.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops tackled banditry and communal violence across Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states, arresting 139 suspects, rescuing 73 victims and recovering weapons and other items.

In the South South, Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining, resulting in the arrest of 219suspects, dismantling of 101 illegal refining sites and recovery of large volumes of stolen petroleum products.

Troops also conducted joint operations with other security agencies, leading to arrests of drug suspects and disruption of criminal networks.

In the South East, Operation Udo Ka targeted criminal elements linked to IPOB and its armed wing, ESN, leading to the arrest of 91 suspects, rescue of 14 victims and recovery of arms and improvised explosive devices.

Onoja said troops also destroyed several illegal refining sites and neutralised IED specialists during clearance operations in the region.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to professionalism, adherence to international humanitarian law and intensified operations to eliminate remaining security threats.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede,commended troops for their dedication and sacrifice, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.

Our correspondent, Zainab Uzomah, reports that the military said ongoing operations would be sustained to consolidate gains and further degrade the capacity of terrorist and criminal groups across the country.