Nigerian Troops Kill 662 Terrorists, Arrest 1,084 Suspects in Q2 2026

Nigerian security forces reported significant gains against terrorist and criminal elements during the second quarter of 2026, killing 662 individuals and apprehending 1,084 suspects. The military also successfully rescued 951 kidnap victims as part of intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling networks beyond traditional battlefields.

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recorded significant and far-reaching operational successes across all operational theatres during the month of June as well as the Second Quarter 2026.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, detailed the successes during a press conference in Abuja. He stated that troops achieved "significant and far-reaching operational successes across all operational theatres" through sustained joint land operations, close air support, and intelligence-driven missions. These efforts have systematically degraded the capabilities of groups including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as kidnapping syndicates, illegal oil bunkering cartels, and cross-border arms traffickers.

The North-East remained a primary focus, with Operation Hadin Kai recording 484 terrorists killed, 370 arrests, and 595 rescued hostages. This theatre also saw the surrender of 38 insurgents and their families. A notable operation involved the rescue of 360 civilians, primarily women and children, during a raid in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.

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systematically degraded the operational capabilities of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as kidnapping syndicates, illegal oil bunkering cartels, and cross-border arms traffickers.

In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma neutralized 77 terrorists and arrested 210 suspects, while rescuing 153 kidnap victims. Troops also intercepted arms traffickers and collaborators in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. The North-Central region saw operations under Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke, resulting in 83 terrorists killed, 305 suspects arrested, and 183 kidnapped victims rescued. General Onoja highlighted that operations specifically targeted informants, collaborators, and logistics providers to disrupt the support networks sustaining criminal groups.

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recorded the surrender of 38 insurgents and their family members.

The South-East, under Operation Udo Ka, also employed an intelligence-led approach, neutralizing 12 terrorists, arresting 115 suspects, and rescuing 20 kidnapped victims. These cumulative achievements, Onoja asserted, reflect the military's "enduring commitment of a professional and resolute force dedicated to restoring peace, stability, and confidence across every geopolitical zone of the nation."

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Several operations specifically targeted terrorist informants, kidnappers’ collaborators, illegal arms couriers and logistics providers, disrupting support networks sustaining criminal groups across the region.