Targets local arms production to improve operational readiness

The Armed Forces of Nigeria maintains dominance over terrorists, criminal elements, economic saboteurs and violent agitators, degrading their capabilities and neutralising over 102 suspects across the country in July 2026, the Defence Headquarters has said.

This came as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on local defence production is essential to improving operational readiness, reducing dependence on foreign military hardware, conserving foreign exchange and ensuring sustainable logistics support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Speaking on Friday during the monthly operational briefing, the Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said troops arrested 345 terrorists and criminals, rescued 393 kidnapped civilians, recovered 59 arms and 1,118 rounds of ammunition in July. Onoja also disclosed that 57 insurgents surrendered to troops during the month.

The breakdown shows that troops neutralised 54 fighters, arrested 102 terrorists, rescued 102 kidnapped victims and facilitated the surrender of 57 insurgents and their families in the North-East region.

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised 33 fighters, arrested 66 terrorists and rescued 191 kidnap victims. In North Central, troops of the three Theatres killed 15 terrorists, arrested 148 and rescued 53 victims, while in the South South and South-East, troops rescued a total of 47 victims – 37 in the South South and 10 in the South-East – and arrested 29 criminal elements – three in the South South and 26 in the South-East. “No killing was recorded,” Onoja said.

According to him, troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained anti-kidnapping and economic protection operations across Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers States, dismantled 18 illegal refining sites and recovered over 250,500 litres of petroleum products.

He said that on July 4, troops dismantled a major illegal refining complex in the Egboama/Ogbogolo area, Ahoada West Local Council of Rivers State, deactivating three refining sites and recovering stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.

“This was reinforced on 5 and 7 July with the deactivation of two other illegal refining sites within the Orashi National Forest. Troops discovered additional illegal refining sites within Ogbogolo community, Ahoada East LGA during operations conducted from 11to 22 July.

“Specifically, anti-oil theft operations conducted on 19 and 22 July resulted in the discovery of five illegal bunkering camps at Egboama and Egbogolo area. Subsequently, approximately 25,000 litres of stolen crude, and 2,000 litres of suspected illegal Premium Motor Spirit at Okrika, Okrika LGA were recovered,” he added.

Speaking when he visited the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC), Kakuri, Kaduna, the CDS stressed that strengthening local defence production remains a strategic priority in building a more resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military.

During the visit, the CDS undertook a comprehensive tour of the Corporation’s production and research facilities and was briefed on DICON’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans by the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. B.I. Alaya.

Oluyede inspected key production facilities and received updates on the Corporation’s efforts to expand local defence manufacturing and improve operational support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He also visited DICON’s Research and Development facilities, where several indigenous products were showcased.

The CDS reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ unwavering commitment to supporting DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He commended the management and workforce of DICON for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s indigenous defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.

The visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence production capacity and enhance self-reliance in military equipment production,