Nigeria's military says its troops neutralised at least 224 terrorists, arrested more than 423 suspects and rescued 279 kidnapped victims during security operations conducted across the country in the second quarter of 2026.
The figures were announced in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, during a briefing on the Armed Forces' operational activities between April and June.
Onoja, on Wednesday, said the gains were achieved through sustained offensives, intelligence-led raids, anti-kidnapping operations and arms interdiction missions carried out under several military operations, including Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation Savannah Shield, Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke.
According to the defence spokesman, troops deployed under Operation Fansan Yamma in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states neutralised 77 terrorists, arrested 210 suspects, rescued 153 kidnapped victims and secured the surrender of one terrorist during the period.
Explosives intercepted
He said the operation also led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and equipment, including PKT machine guns, AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher tube, improvised explosive device chargers, motorcycles and large quantities of ammunition.
Onoja added that intelligence-driven operations also resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators at Gusau International Airport and the interception of logistics suppliers transporting 69 jerry cans of fuel allegedly destined for terrorist groups.
In the North-Central region, Onoja said troops under Operation Savannah Shield neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 48 suspects and rescued eight kidnapped victims during operations spanning Niger, Kwara, Kogi states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, Operation Whirl Stroke, operating across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states, neutralised 37 terrorists, arrested 86 suspects and rescued 59 kidnapped victims during the quarter.
The multi-combat operations disrupted illegal arms supply networks by intercepting weapons, explosives, and ammunition intended for criminal groups, the military added.
