By Miriam Humbe
The Defence Headquarters has announced that throughout the month of October, over 217 terrorists and criminals were neutralized, with 333 terrorist/criminals arrested and 349 kidnap victims rescued in nationwide operations.
Within the same period, 70 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 105 arms and 3174 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director, Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters Abuja, disclosed this on Friday at a press briefing on ongoing military operations for the month of October 2026.
Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft have continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs, yielding the recovery of 756,837 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 49 illegal refining sites.
During the period under review, the AFN recorded a total of 98 attacks across various theatres of operation.
Operation HADIN KAI recorded 27 attacks, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded 24, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded 29, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded 12, Operation UDO KA (OPUK) recorded 4, while Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded 1 attack each.
Troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical maneuver, and successfully repelled the attacks.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, (AFN), extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Taraba State especially the families of the civilians who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in Binari, Karim Lamido LGA on 23 October 2026.
The CDS prayed for the souls of the departed and assured the nation that no effort will be spared to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The CDS further affirmed that the loss of all innocent lives will only strengthen the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect lives and property.
The Chief of Defence Staff commended the resilience of troops across all theatres of operation during the month, and urged them to remain disciplined, to always uphold the rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
He urged them to guard against complacency, particularly with the approach of the festive season.
The CDS appreciated other security agencies for their collaboration and called on them to deepen intelligence sharing and joint planning.
He appreciated the media for their reportage, urging continued accuracy and verification, particularly on sensitive communal matters, so that no report would inflame tension or compromise ongoing operations.
He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and all stakeholders to report threats promptly, reject mob action and refuse safe havens to criminals.
The CDS further warned that terrorist collaborators, informants, logistics suppliers, recruiters and gunrunners will not be spared, once arrested.
The Chief of Defence Staff also encouraged the general public to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193.
The public is assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
The AFN restated its resolve to deter terrorist and criminal elements freedom of action in order to ensure peace and security across Nigeria.
