Esther Oseyiomon
The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded sweeping operational gains across all theatres in the first quarter of 2026, intensifying pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and oil theft networks nationwide.
The figures were disclosed in Abuja by Major General Michael Onoja during a combined first quarter and monthly briefing at the Defence Headquarters.
Onoja said troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 1,359 suspects and rescued 813 kidnapped victims within the period, describing the outcome as a major step in degrading criminal elements across the country.
He noted that coordinated land and air operations targeted insurgent enclaves, leading to the elimination of key commanders and the surrender of fighters and their families.
In the North East, troops carried out precision strikes in Sambisa Forest, killing top terrorist leaders, while also repelling multiple attacks in Borno and Yobe States and recovering arms and ammunition.
The military also disrupted terrorist supply chains through the interception of fuel, drugs and other logistics, alongside the arrest of collaborators aiding criminal groups.
Across other regions, troops sustained offensives against bandits in the North West, conducted intelligence-driven operations in the North Central, and dismantled illegal refining sites and oil theft networks in the South South.
Operations in the South East also led to the arrest of suspects, recovery of weapons and disruption of criminal networks, as security forces intensified clearance missions.
Onoja said the operations resulted in the recovery of hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition, as well as the destruction of over 100 illegal refining sites.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining nationwide operations, emphasizing that efforts will continue to enhance security, protect citizens and maintain pressure on all criminal elements.