By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that in the first quarter of 2026 operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) across various theatres led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists and their leaders arrested of 1,359 suspects, and rescue of over 813 kidnapped victims, and the surrender of 197 insurgents.
Troops also recovered 458 weapons and 15,899 rounds of ammunition, destroyed 101 illegal refining sites, and seized over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing defence correspondents on ongoing military operations nationwide.
He said the results demonstrate the AFN’s resolve, professionalism, and effectiveness across seven operational theatres, significantly degrading terrorist and criminal capacity.
In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai neutralised several terrorist leaders and fighters, arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 90 insurgents.
In the North-West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops arrested 114 suspects and rescued 386 kidnapped victims, while foiling attacks and restoring normalcy in affected areas.
In the North-Central, operations under Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke led to the neutralisation of extremists, arrests, and the rescue of kidnapped victims across several states.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe resulted in the arrest of 219 suspects, dismantling of 101 illegal refining sites, and recovery of large quantities of stolen petroleum products.
In the South-East, troops under Operation Udo Ka sustained operations against criminal elements linked to IPOB and ESN.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and adherence to international law, while the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended personnel and urged public cooperation.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, said the programme, established in 2015, focuses on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of low-risk insurgents who voluntarily surrender.
He stressed that only screened low-risk individuals are admitted, while high-risk suspects are prosecuted under Nigerian law, noting that the programme complements military operations and does not replace the criminal justice system.