By Miriam Humbe
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralised no fewer than 68 terrorists and rescued 44 kidnapped victims across the country during sustained military operations conducted between August 7 and 13, 2026.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the ongoing military operations.
He revealed that troops also arrested terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers, disrupted criminal networks and recovered weapons, ammunition and suspected stolen petroleum products across the various theatres.
In the North Central, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescued 25 kidnap victims in Kogi State during separate operations. Operation ENDURING PEACE also rescued a kidnapped resident in Plateau State, while Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued nine male kidnap victims in Niger State.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops neutralised 18 terrorists during an encounter in Makuku Village, Kebbi State, while arresting suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers and two foreign nationals believed to be IED experts.
Troops also recovered ₦5.302 million reportedly intended for terrorist associates and rescued kidnapped victims following an engagement with terrorists in Zamfara State.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised two terrorists, arrested suspected logistics facilitators and collaborators, and recorded the surrender of 19 terrorists and their family members.
The troops also rescued five female abductees who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
Troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East also dismantled a kidnap syndicate operating across Enugu and adjoining states.
One syndicate commander was neutralised, another sustained gunshot wounds, while troops arrested another member of the group and recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from a forest hideout.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops disrupted crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Rivers State, recovering thousands of litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
Troops also rescued a kidnapped farmer in Edo State and neutralised one of his abductors.
The Air Component of the Armed Forces of Nigeria also conducted precision air operations against terrorist concentrations in Niger State.
An armed reconnaissance mission over the Sangeko and Baba-Doka areas of Mariga Local Government Area reportedly resulted in the recovery of approximately 120 bodies and 300 motorcycles, while a separate operation around Maburya on August 13 led to the reported neutralisation of 46 terrorists.
Major General Onoja said the operations demonstrated the sustained tempo and effectiveness of the Armed Forces in confronting terrorism, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other criminal activities.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops and other security agencies for their commitment and collaboration, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain resolute in restoring peace and stability across the country.
