Nigeria’s Defence Chief Credits Security Cooperation for Recent Gains Against Terrorists

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, says recent gains against terrorists and other extremist groups have come from sustained cooperation between the military and other security agencies.

The collaboration includes the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders. Oluyede said the joint effort had produced tangible results in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and secessionist agitation.

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The Armed Forces of Nigeria sustained their kinetic operations across all theatres of operations nationwide between 31 August and 3 September 2026.

He praised troops for neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens, accepting the surrender of terrorist fighters and their families, and dismantling criminal and secessionist networks. His comments came days after Defence Minister Christopher Musa declared victory over terrorist groups and other extremist syndicates destabilising parts of Nigeria.

Musa, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said attacks by terrorists and extremist groups had become less frequent and less brazen than in the past. He said terrorism had declined sharply, while kidnappings had taken its place as a more prominent threat.

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It recorded several successes in the continued campaign against terrorism, kidnapping and secessionist agitation.

According to a statement from Defence Media Operations Director Major General Michael Onoja, the armed forces conducted operations nationwide from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, 2026. The military said it also intensified intelligence operations against terrorist collaborators, spies and logistics suppliers, arresting at least seven suspected spies.

Troops intercepted an escapee who had fled terrorist captivity because of hunger and hardship near Sabsawa in Borno State’s Bama Local Government Area on Aug. 31. They also arrested a suspect in Konduga who was transporting food to a terrorist enclave in Bama. On Sept. 1, troops arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter who had become an informant in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area. Other fighters surrendered between Sept. 1 and 2, while suspected suppliers, informants and spies were arrested across the theatre of operations.

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These operations reflect the resolve of the AFN to ensure the protection of lives and property, as well as safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation.