Nigerian Troops Conduct 14,221 Operations, Eliminate 1,597 Criminals, Rescue 1,516 Hostages in Six Months

Nigerian troops carried out 14,221 security operations across the country between January and June 2026, according to the Nigerian military. These coordinated land, air, and maritime missions targeted terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, arms traffickers, and oil thieves.

The operations led to significant successes, including the elimination of 1,597 terrorists and insurgents and the rescue of 1,516 hostages and kidnapped victims. The Defence Headquarters also reported recovering 451 firearms, 16,726 rounds of ammunition, and 161 explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

“

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) sustained an aggressive operational tempo across all theatres of operation between January and June 2026, recording significant successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, disclosed these figures during a joint press briefing in Abuja. He stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria sustained an aggressive operational tempo, focusing on flashpoints in states like Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Katsina, Kwara, Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Oyo, and Kaduna.

In addition to kinetic operations, the military intensified non-kinetic engagements. This included 33 dialogue and peace-building initiatives, 13 public sensitization campaigns, and 33 stakeholder engagement meetings with traditional and religious leaders. Notably, 261 kidnapped victims were rescued from terrorist enclaves during this period.

“

In addition to kinetic operations, the Armed Forces intensified non-kinetic engagements aimed at fostering peace and strengthening civil-military relations.