From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralised 201 terrorists, arrested 284 key suspects, and rescued 188 kidnapped civilians in April 2026.
The rescued victims include women, children, orphans, and farmers, among others. Within the same period, troops also destroyed several terrorist camps and dismantled logistics networks operated by criminal elements.
Briefing Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the operational outcomes recorded across the seven theatres demonstrated the military’s commitment to its constitutional mandate and accountability to Nigerians.
According to him, the AFN sustained coordinated operations nationwide, executing precision strikes against insurgent groups and criminal networks.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria continued relentless, coordinated operations across all seven active theatres in April 2026. Troops conducted precision kinetic strikes, dismantled terrorist enclaves, and rescued abducted civilians, restoring safety to affected communities,” he said.
He added that the operations were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
Breakdown by Theatre
In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS elements across Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States.
During the period, troops neutralised 136 terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, rescued 18 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of nine insurgents and their families.
In the North-West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops conducted decisive operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
They neutralised 20 terrorists, arrested 32 suspects, rescued 70 kidnapped victims, and recorded the surrender of one insurgent.
In the North-Central, Operation Savannah Shield troops neutralised 21 terrorists, arrested 17 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped victims across Kwara and Niger States.
Similarly, troops under Operation Enduring Peace recorded significant gains across Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna States, neutralising 18 terrorists, arresting 48 suspects, and rescuing 53 kidnapped victims.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops operating in Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States neutralised 14 terrorists, arrested 40 suspects, and rescued 35 kidnapped victims.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 17 suspects, destroyed two illegal refining sites, and recovered 101,443 litres of petroleum products, including crude oil, AGO, DPK, and PMS.
In the South-East, under Operation Udo Ka, troops sustained operations against IPOB/ESN elements, neutralising three terrorists, arresting 16 suspects, and rescuing two kidnapped victims.
Civil-Military Engagements:
Major General Onoja emphasised that the military continued to prioritise Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), noting that peace cannot be achieved through kinetic operations alone.
He said peace meetings were held in Logo, Guma, and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue State, as well as in Takum and Donga LGAs of Taraba State and Toto LGA of Nasarawa State, to address communal tensions.
He added that similar initiatives were carried out in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, including the distribution of fertiliser and a 17-kilometre marathon aimed at fostering unity.
CDS Charge to Troops:
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their sacrifices and urged them to sustain operational momentum with professionalism and discipline.
He assured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to protecting all communities, stressing that no criminal group is beyond the reach of the Armed Forces.
The CDS also called on the public to support security agencies with credible intelligence and urged the media to maintain responsible and factual reporting.
“Nigeria’s peace is a shared responsibility, and the Armed Forces will continue to deploy every resource towards securing the nation,” he said.