Abuja, Nigeria — The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational gains across all theatres of operation in the first quarter of 2026, with scores of terrorists neutralised, 1,359 suspects arrested, 813 kidnapped civilians rescued, and 219 oil thieves apprehended as troops sustained coordinated offensives against insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal elements nationwide.
The update was contained in a combined First Quarter/Monthly Media Briefing moderated by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja at the Defence Headquarters on ongoing military operations, highlighting the AFN’s sustained efforts in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, anti-kidnapping, anti-banditry, and anti-crude oil theft operations across the country.
North East: Terrorist Leaders Eliminated, 274 Suspects Arrested
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Yobe, and Gombe States.
During the quarter, troops arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 90 insurgents and their families, while several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters were neutralised.
A major breakthrough was recorded with the confirmed death of ISWAP senior leader and Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, which the terrorist group reportedly described as a significant loss.
In March alone, troops neutralised top terrorist commanders including Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago, and Ba Alayi Benbem, alongside over 18 ring leaders and 42 fighters in a precision air strike in Sambisa Forest. Troops also repelled coordinated attacks in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai, Damboa, Mallam Fatori, Goniri, Marte-Dikwa, Damasak, and Askira Uba, recovering large quantities of arms, ammunition, and logistics supplies.
North West: 114 Suspects Arrested, 386 Kidnap Victims Rescued
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained pressure on terrorist and bandit groups across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
Within the quarter, troops arrested 114 suspects and rescued 386 kidnapped victims, while scores of terrorists were neutralised.
Key March operations included the destruction of a Lakurawa terrorist enclave in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State, the arrest of 15 logistics suppliers, and the rescue of kidnapped victims in Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara States.
Troops also arrested a suspected gunrunner in Kaduna State with 200 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition.
North Central: Multiple Arrests, Arms Recoveries, Illegal Miners Nabbed
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops extended offensives in Kwara and Niger States, neutralising scores of terrorists and recording major arms recoveries.
Among notable operations were the neutralisation of over 17 terrorists in Roguwa Forest, Niger State, the interception of eight 50kg bags of ammonium chloride, and the arrest of seven illegal miners, including four foreign nationals, in Niger State.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE operating across Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kogi, Benue, and the FCT recorded the arrest of 210 suspects and rescue of 61 kidnapped victims during the quarter.
Significant operations included the interception of 802 bags of granular ammonium sulphate in Bauchi State, the arrest of terrorist informants and collaborators in the FCT and Kogi State, and the dismantling of an illegal mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi State arrested 139 suspects and rescued 73 kidnapped victims, while also neutralising terrorists and recovering weapons, SIM cards, and ATM cards linked to criminal networks.
South South: 219 Oil Theft Suspects Arrested, 101 Illegal Refineries Destroyed
In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the crackdown on illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, and related crimes.
During the quarter, troops arrested 219 suspects linked to oil theft and related crimes, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products including crude oil, AGO, DPK, and PMS.
In March, troops intercepted approximately 45,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Rivers State, neutralised suspected kidnappers in Edo State, rescued kidnap victims in Delta and Edo States, and uncovered sabotage attempts on oil infrastructure in Bayelsa State.
Troops also arrested 58 illegal miners in Akoko Edo LGA of Edo State, while a joint operation with the NDLEA in Bayelsa State led to the arrest of 13 drug suspects.
South East: 91 Suspects Arrested, IEDs Recovered And Destroyer
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against criminal elements linked to IPOB/ESN across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
During the quarter, troops arrested 91 suspects, rescued 14 kidnapped victims, and recovered arms, ammunition, and IED-making materials, while over 80 militants surrendered in January.
In March, troops discovered and safely destroyed 11 IEDs in Orsu LGA of Imo State, dismantled illegal refining sites in Imo State, neutralised two IED specialists, and destroyed a major illegal refining site yielding about 23,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products.
Nationwide Scorecard: 1,359 Suspects Arrested, 813 Victims Rescued
Summarising the first quarter operations across the seven theatres, the AFN said it achieved the following:
• Scores of terrorists and criminal leaders neutralised
• 1,359 suspects arrested
• 813 kidnapped civilians rescued
• 197 insurgents surrendered
• 458 arms recovered
• 15,899 rounds of ammunition recovered
• 101 illegal refining sites dismantled
• Over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered
• 219 oil thieves and related suspects arrested in the South South
The military reaffirmed its commitment to operating in line with its Rules of Engagement, International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Conventions, and all applicable legal frameworks, stressing that ongoing operations would be intensified to dismantle all remaining terrorist and criminal networks.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and sacrifice, while also appreciating the support of other security agencies, the media, and Nigerians for their cooperation and timely intelligence.
The military also paid tribute to personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation and urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
