The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded major operational gains nationwide in April 2026, neutralising 201 terrorists, rescuing 188 kidnapped civilians, and arresting 284 suspects, the Defence Headquarters said Thursday.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the figures in Abuja during the military’s monthly briefing on activities across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East.
He said coordinated land and air offensives destroyed multiple terrorist enclaves, criminal hideouts, and illegal armament facilities, significantly degrading the capacity of insurgent and criminal groups.
“In April 2026, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised 201 terrorists, rescued 188 kidnapped civilians, and arrested 284 suspects, including key ring leaders and collaborators,” Onoja said. He described the outcomes as “an unambiguous account” of sustained military pressure, adding that troops worked in synergy with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
*Breakdown by Theatre*
– *North-East — Operation Hadin Kai*: Troops neutralised 136 insurgents, arrested 114 suspects, and rescued 18 victims. Several Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves were destroyed, with troops repelling coordinated attacks and recovering high-grade weapons in Borno and Yobe states.
– *North-West — Operation Fansan Yamma*:
20 terrorists neutralised, 70 kidnapped victims rescued, and bandit camps dismantled across Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi. Notable feats included the rescue of 31 worshippers abducted from a church in Kaduna State and the interception of a suspect transporting IED materials.
– *North-Central — Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke*:
53 terrorists neutralised, over 100 suspects arrested, and scores of victims rescued across Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa. Troops also dismantled criminal camps, destroyed illicit weapons production sites, and recovered ransom money.
– *South-South — Operation Delta Safe*:
Troops intensified anti-crude oil theft operations, destroying illegal refining sites and recovering over 101,000 litres of petroleum products. Several kidnapped victims were also rescued.
– *South-East — Operation Udo Ka*:
Disrupted IPOB/ESN activities through the arrest of key commanders and the destruction of major camps, including a strategic enclave in Enugu State.
*Beyond Combat*
Onoja said the military sustained civil-military cooperation initiatives during the period, including peace meetings, community engagements, and support for farming activities in conflict-prone areas. The initiatives, he noted, are aimed at fostering trust, facilitating resettlement, and promoting long-term stability.
