Nigerian Troops Kill 1,597 Terrorists, Rescue Over 1,500 Kidnap Victims in Six Months

Nigerian military and security forces have reported significant successes in combating terrorism and criminality during the first six months of 2026. Official figures released indicate that 1,597 terrorists and insurgents were killed, and 1,516 kidnapped victims were rescued.

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troops carried out 14,221 coordinated land, air and maritime operations between January and June across all six geopolitical zones, targeting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other violent crimes.

These achievements stem from a total of 14,221 coordinated security operations conducted across all six geopolitical zones of the country. The operations, encompassing land, air, and maritime efforts, targeted a range of threats including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft. During these operations, security forces confiscated 451 firearms, 16,726 rounds of ammunition, and 161 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

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troops also rescued 261 people held in terrorist enclaves, killed 412 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, arrested 332 suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, motorcycles and livestock from insurgents.

The Defence Headquarters spokesperson noted that troops also rescued 261 individuals from terrorist enclaves, neutralized 412 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, and apprehended 332 suspected terrorists. Furthermore, 132 insurgents reportedly surrendered due to sustained military pressure. The recovered items included weapons, motorcycles, and livestock.

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132 insurgents also surrendered during the period due to sustained military pressure.

Beyond military actions, the Nigeria Police Force reported breakthroughs in intelligence-led operations. They dismantled criminal networks, arrested suspects linked to terrorism and kidnapping, and intercepted ammunition destined for criminal groups. The police also dismantled a railway vandalism syndicate, recovering stolen materials valued at around N400 million. These efforts come as Nigeria grapples with persistent security challenges, including a long-standing Boko Haram insurgency and rising incidents of banditry and kidnapping in various states.

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intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery, while officers dismantled criminal networks operating in several states.