The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that Nigerian troops neutralised 52 terrorists and criminals, arrested 350 suspects and rescued 655 kidnapped civilians during military operations conducted across the country in September 2026.
The figures were announced by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a briefing on the military’s operations between August 31 and September 30.
The September operational assessment covered multiple theatres where the Armed Forces of Nigeria are conducting operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality.
According to the DHQ, troops responded to 367 criminal attacks recorded across the various operational theatres during the month.
Operation Enduring Peace recorded the highest number with 147 attacks, followed by Operation Fansan Yamma with 115.
Operation Whirl Stroke recorded 55 attacks, Operation Hadin Kai 33, Operation Savannah Shield 13 and Operation Udo Ka four. Operation Delta Safe recorded no attacks during the period.
Major General Onoja said troops responded to the attacks with what he described as superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres.
The military said 655 kidnapped civilians were rescued during the September operations.
It also reported that 75 insurgents surrendered to troops during the period.
The DHQ said troops recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition, while eight illegal refining sites were dismantled.
More than 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products were also recovered during the operations.
The September figures formed part of the military's broader third-quarter operational assessment.
For the entire third quarter of 2026, the DHQ said troops neutralised 554 terrorists and criminals, arrested 1,333 suspects and rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians.
A total of 333 insurgents surrendered during the quarter, while troops recovered 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition.
The military said the figures demonstrate sustained operations against security threats across Nigeria, including terrorism and banditry in the northern theatres, kidnapping and other criminal activities, as well as oil theft and separatist violence in parts of the South.
The latest figures are claims by the Defence Headquarters based on its operational reporting. The terms “neutralised” and “arrested” cover persons the military identified as terrorists or criminals and do not, by themselves, amount to judicial convictions.
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