ABUJA, Nigeria — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised 129 terrorists and criminals, rescued 542 kidnapped civilians, and arrested 486 suspects in June 2026 as military operations intensified nationwide.
The figures were disclosed during a combined monthly and second quarter media briefing by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said the operations also led to the surrender of 11 insurgents. The update was presented in a statement reflecting ongoing military engagements across various theatres.
According to Onoja, troops recovered 130 arms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition, dismantled seven illegal refining sites, and seized over 308,515 litres of stolen petroleum products during the period.
“For the Second Quarter 2026, the AFN neutralised a total of 662 terrorists and criminals, 1,084 terrorists/criminals were arrested, and 951 kidnapped civilians were rescued,” he said.
He added that 39 insurgents surrendered within the quarter, while 328 arms and 12,590 rounds of ammunition were recovered. In addition, 12 illegal refining sites were dismantled and more than 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products intercepted.
Highlighting key operations, Onoja noted the rescue of over 360 civilians from captivity, including a major multi-axis operation in the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on June 6, 2026.
The DHQ said the operations significantly disrupted terrorist and criminal networks, including targeted actions against IPOB/ESN structures, while degrading logistics and supply chains sustaining insurgent activities.
“All operations were conducted in strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law and constitutional rules of engagement,” Onoja stated, reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and gallantry, while acknowledging the support of local communities, vigilante groups, and other security agencies.
The DHQ assured that military operations would be sustained and intensified until security is restored across all regions, urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence through official channels, including the toll-free line 193.
