By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded sweeping operational gains in the first quarter of 2026, arresting 1,359 suspects, rescuing 813 kidnapped victims, and facilitating the surrender of 197 insurgents, the Defence Headquarters has disclosed.
The military also recovered 458 arms, 15,899 rounds of ammunition, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and seized over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products, in what it described as a “significant degradation” of criminal networks nationwide.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Tuesday during a quarterly operational briefing in Abuja.
According to him, the successes were recorded across multiple theatres including the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East.
“The First Quarter of 2026 demonstrated the unwavering resolve, professionalism, and gallantry of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Onoja said.
“Across seven operational theatres, the AFN delivered measurable strategic outcomes: scores of terrorists and criminal leaders eliminated; 1,359 suspects arrested; 813 kidnapped civilians rescued; 197 insurgents surrendered; 458 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition recovered; 101 illegal refining sites dismantled; and over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered.”
He added that the achievements underscore “a significant degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide.”
Onoja further revealed that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) confirmed the death of its senior leader, Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir.
“Notably, the confirmation by ISWAP of the death of senior Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir attests to the irreversible impact of AFN’s sustained kinetic operations on the group’s command structure,” he said.
In the North East under Operation Hadin Kai, troops arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 victims, and recorded 90 insurgent surrenders, while intensifying air and ground assaults on terrorist enclaves.
In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops rescued 386 kidnapped victims and arrested 114 suspects, while dismantling multiple bandit networks.
Operations in the North Central also yielded results, with troops under different formations arresting hundreds of suspects, rescuing dozens of victims, and intercepting explosives and illegal mining activities.
In the South South, Operation Delta Safe led to the arrest of 219 suspects, dismantling of 101 illegal refining sites, and recovery of over 547,920 litres of petroleum products, including crude oil and refined derivatives.
Onoja reaffirmed the military’s adherence to global best practices.
“The AFN reaffirms its commitment to operating in strict accordance with its rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions, and all applicable legal frameworks,” he said.
He added that operations would be intensified to eliminate remaining threats, while urging citizens to support security agencies with timely intelligence.
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