The military recorded significant successes in the fight against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the country in the second quarter of 2026, killing 662 terrorists, arresting a total of 1,084 others, and rescued 951 kidnapped victims.

Also, during the period, 39 insurgents surrendered, while troops recovered 328 arms and 12,590 rounds of ammunition .

Announcing the achievements during a news conference Wednesday, the Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj -Gen. Michael Onoja, said that 12 illegal refining sites were dismantled while more than 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered in the period.

He said this represents significant degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide.

Onoja said that in June alone, 129 terrorists and criminals were neutralised, 486 arrested; 542 kidnapped civilians rescued, while 11 insurgents surrendered. He added 130 arms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition were recovered and seven illegal refining sites were dismantled with over 308,515 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered.

“Notably, the rescue of over 360 civilians from unlawful captivity, including the landmark multi-axis rescue at the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza LGA, Borno State on 6 June 2026, the neutralisation of numerous hostile elements, the systematic dismantling of insurgent and criminal logistics networks, the recovery of substantial caches of arms and ammunition, the interception of significant volumes of illicitly refined petroleum products, and the targeted decapitation of IPOB/ESN command structures collectively represent a period of exceptional operational achievement across all geopolitical zones.

“The operational record for the month of June as well as Second Quarter 2026 stands as compelling testimony to the sustained professionalism, operational excellence, and unwavering resolve of troops across all operational theatres,” he said.

According to him, all operations were conducted in strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law, constitutional rules of engagement, and the AFN’s fundamental mandate to protect the life, property, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the gallantry and discipline demonstrated by troops across all theatres for the achievements during the period. He also extended appreciation to the civilian communities, the Civilian Joint Task Forces, local vigilante groups, and all security agencies whose cooperation and invaluable intelligence contributions have been critical enablers of the successes.

Oluyede reassured Nigerians and the international community that the Defence Headquarters will sustain and intensify its operational tempo against all threats to national security until every theatre is stabilised, displaced persons return to their homes, and every Nigerian can live in freedom, safety, and dignity.

“The general public is encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193. You are assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” he said , adding that national security is a shared civic responsibility.