Military Neutralises 324 Terrorists, Rescues 610 Kidnap Victims In August
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant operational successes across the country in August 2026, neutralising 324 terrorists and criminals, arresting 373 others and rescuing 610 kidnap victims, according to the Defence Headquarters.
The DHQ released the figures Monday, during a press briefing with defence correspondent in Abuja, describing August as a “decisive month for national security”.
The monthly operational summary showed that 201 insurgents surrendered, while troops recovered 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition in various theatres. Security forces also dismantled 21 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 686,800 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West, troops neutralised 190 terrorists, arrested 47 and rescued 126 kidnap victims. In the North-East, Operation HADIN KAI neutralised 114 terrorists, arrested 146, rescued 60 victims and recorded the surrender of 201 terrorists and their family members.
In the North-Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised seven terrorists, arrested four and rescued 329 victims, while Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised five criminals, arrested 82 and rescued 15 victims. Operation WHIRL STROKE also neutralised three terrorists, arrested 31 suspects and rescued 38 victims.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE arrested 43 criminals, rescued 38 civilians, dismantled 21 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 686,800 litres of petroleum products. In the South-East, Operation UDO KA neutralised five terrorists, arrested 20 criminals and rescued four civilians, while several arms and ammunition caches were recovered.
The DHQ said the operations, complemented by air interdictions and civil-military activities, reflected the sustained resolve of the Armed Forces to degrade terrorist and criminal networks, protect communities and create a secure environment for socio-economic activities across the country.
