Troops Winning The War Against Terrorists, Kidnappers, Bandits, Economic Saboteurs, Others – DHQ
…Says troops neutralised scores of terrorists, rescued hundreds of kidnapped and abducted citizens, received terrorist fighters and their family members fleeing hardship within terrorist enclaves between August and September, 2026
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that throughout the Third Quarter and especially September 2026, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations across all theatres of operations nationwide, recording substantial and far-reaching progress in the ongoing campaigns against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and secessionist agitations.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, made the disclosure on Wednesday, in Abuja, at a press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the month of September/third quarter of 2026.
According to him, during the period from 31 August to 30 September 2026, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, rescued hundreds of kidnapped and abducted citizens, received the surrender of well over 90 terrorist fighters and their family members fleeing hardship within terrorist enclaves, disrupted extensive arms and logistics trafficking networks, and denied economic saboteurs continued access to the nation’s petroleum resources.
These operations have contributed to restoring stability in several parts of the country, protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
This quarterly press briefing consolidates the highlights of operations conducted across all geopolitical zones during the period under review, reflecting the sustained operational tempo, precision and inter-Service coordination among the troops and other security agencies.
He also shared insights into measures being implemented to consolidate these gains and further enhance operational effectiveness across all theatres. Now, let me start with:
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
In the North East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained counter-terrorism operations throughout September 2026 across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, countering terrorist attacks, disrupting logistics networks and denying terrorists’ freedom of action.
During the month, troops neutralized 27 terrorist fighters, arrested 49 terrorists, rescued 103 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 73 insurgents and their families.
On 1 September 2026, troops encountered a command-detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Miyanti-Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama LGA of Borno State. In the ensuing engagement, troops neutralised one terrorist and confiscated a rifle, ammunition and the IED initiator.
On 17 September 2026, troops at Gajiram in Nganzai LGA of Borno State, supported by an Air Component helicopter gunship, countered a large-scale terrorist advance, forcing the terrorists to withdraw.
Further operations near Benisheikh on 18 September 2026 and at Azare Village in Gujba LGA of Yobe State on 21 September 2026 resulted in the arrest of four terrorists and the recovery of ammunition.
Troops also conducted several rescue operations throughout the month. In the most significant rescue operation, troops intercepted and rescued 44 terrorist family members, comprising 13 women and 31 children, at Konduga in Bama LGA of Borno State on 24 September 2026. The individuals had fled their enclaves amid clashes between rival terrorist factions.
Troops also recorded a sustained wave of surrenders from terrorist enclaves throughout September 2026.
Over 70 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to troops at various locations, including Monguno, Pulka and along the Gwoza-Limankara Road in Gwoza LGA, as well as Dikwa, Bama and Ngala LGAs, all in Borno State.
The surrendering persons consistently cited harsh living conditions, hunger and the lack of basic provisions within terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains and the Lake Chad region as reasons for their surrender.
On 13 September 2026, one of the repentant terrorists surrendered with an AK-47 rifle, a hand grenade and an IED at Benisheikh. On 17 September 2026, two fighters from the Bula Daloye enclave in Bama LGA surrendered with three AK-47 rifles.
Similarly, on 25 and 26 September 2026, further surrenders were recorded at Bama, Monguno and along the Kuranabasa axis in Gwoza LGA, including that of a suspect who escaped from an ISWAP camp at Kolorom Village near Jubilaram in the Lake Chad region.
In related operations, troops arrested numerous suspected terrorist collaborators, informants, spies and logistics suppliers across the theatre during the month.
Troops disrupted terrorist logistics networks by arresting key suppliers in Konduga LGA on 31 August 2026, Benisheikh in Kaga LGA on 5 September 2026, Mafa in Dikwa LGA on 6 September 2026, Gumsa Bridge in Geidam LGA of Yobe State on 8 September 2026, and Geidam Market in Yobe State on 25 September 2026.
The items seized included foodstuffs, medical and veterinary supplies, pharmaceuticals, a vehicle, motorcycle spare parts and cash intended for terrorists. Troops also arrested suspected informants and spies at various locations including Damasak, Biu, Monguno, and Kukawa towns.
Some suspects were also arrest along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road and the Dikwa-Ajiri Main Supply Route in Borno State. Additionally, troops arrested a suspected member of a terrorist faction in Hong LGA of Adamawa State on 10 September 2026.
On 23 September 2026, troops further arrested a logistics supplier conveying Starlink internet devices destined for Chad along the Dikwa-Gamboru Road. Overall, during the quarter, troops neutralised 273 terrorist fighters, arrested 348 terrorists, rescued 297 kidnapped victims and facilitated the surrender of 331 insurgents and their families.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
In the North West geopolitical zone, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Air Component, sustained large-scale offensive operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping throughout September 2026 across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The operations recorded significant progress against terrorist kingpins and logistics networks. During the month, troops neutralised 7 terrorist fighters, arrested 26 terrorists and rescued 171 kidnapped victims. Significantly, on 4 September 2026, troops, supported by an attack helicopter, assaulted the hideout of a terrorist kingpin at Yantumaki Forest in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State.
Similar operations were conducted at Magarya Forest in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State on 5 September 2026 and along the Gundumi Road in Isa LGA of Sokoto State on 6 September 2026.
During these engagements, troops discovered rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a machine gun and ammunition. In a major clearance operation on 14 September 2026, troops neutralised several terrorists around Gumki Village, towards the Nigeria-Niger border in Arewa Dandi LGA of Kebbi State, and discovered a machine gun, a rifle and ammunition.
On 26 September 2026, troops neutralised one terrorist during an offensive operation at Karani Village in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State and discovered a rifle, a motorcycle and other items.
On 27 September 2026, troops conducting an ambush operation at Tulua Village in Arewa LGA of Kebbi State neutralised one terrorist, while others fled into the surrounding forest. The items confiscated included one motorcycle, one Republic of Mali military uniform, one blanket and one prayer mat.
Troops also conducted numerous rescue operations across the theatre throughout the month. Early successes included the rescue of 23 abducted civilians who had been held for approximately three weeks at Wuya Town in Anka LGA of Zamfara State on 3 September 2026. Rescue operations continued through mid-September, with troops freeing traders along the Ruwan Godiya-Mobai Road in Faskari LGA of Katsina State and rescuing three victims at Danhonu 2 Community in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State on 11 September 2026.
Troops also rescued 10 abducted victims at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State. In a major air operation on 17 September 2026, a NAF jet intercepted terrorists moving with a large number of kidnapped victims within the Bazama area of Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State.
The operation disrupted their movement and enabled over 60 kidnapped victims to escape their captors. On the ground, troops rescued three victims along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina State. Similarly, on 24 September 2026, troops rescued five victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA, at Sekpore Village in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State.
On 26 September 2026, troops rescued 10 abducted victims, comprising eight adults and two children, in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.
In related operations, troops disrupted extensive arms-trafficking and terrorist-logistics networks across the theatre.
On 10 September 2026, troops arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Dogon Dawa in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. The suspects had been on a counter-terrorism wanted list since June 2026.
Between 15 – 24 September 2026, troops arrested two accomplices of a notorious terrorist kingpin, as well as a collaborator and an informant linked to the same kingpin’s network, all within Katsina State.
Troops also arrested an ammunition courier along the Birnin Gwari axis carrying 300 rounds of ammunition. On 24 September 2026, troops arrested suspects conveying rustled cattle near Illela in Sokoto State and seized ₦2,700,000 in cash intended for a terrorist kingpin at Faskari LGA of Katsina State.
Cumulatively, during the quarter, troops neutralised 230 terrorist fighters, arrested 147 terrorists and rescued 508 kidnapped victims.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD sustained offensive operations against terrorism and kidnapping throughout September 2026 across Kwara and Niger States.
During the month, troops neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 2 terrorists and rescued 27 kidnapped victims. In the most significant success of the month, troops on 15 September 2026 attacked terrorists at Muchiya village in Rafi LGA of Niger State and rescued 22 kidnap victims, who were reunited with their families.
Troops also recorded multiple successful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) clearance operations within Borgu and Kaiama LGAs of Niger and Kwara States throughout the month, safely defusing a total of 12 devices, including a device recovered at Dekara Village on 9 September 2026 and nine found along a main supply route between Machan-Gyada and Masaka Villages on 21 September 2026.
All affected roads were subsequently declared safe for vehicular movement.
In a significant development on 25 September 2026, troops intercepted an escaped victim, Hadiza Sani, at Garauji Village under Babana in Borgu LGA of Niger State, three days after she escaped from a terrorist enclave.
Preliminary debriefing revealed that she was among approximately 500 residents abducted by terrorists after Friday prayers at Dekara on 21 August 2026, and that the victims were being held under heavy guard.
Overall, during the quarter, troops neutralized 16 terrorist fighters, arrested 36 terrorists, and rescued 365 kidnapped victims.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained operations against kidnapping and illegal arms possession throughout September 2026 across Bauchi, Kaduna and Plateau States.
During the month, troops neutralized 9 terrorists, arrested 155 terrorists, rescued 28 kidnapped victims, and recovered arms and ammunition in multiple targeted raids.
On 11 September 2026, troops rescued an abducted resident and his wife at Ateli Village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, while on 16 September 2026, troops rescued a two-year-old child who had been abducted alongside his mother at Tayu Village, reuniting him with his father.
Following the kidnap and subsequent release of two victims at Gwafan Community in Jos North LGA of Plateau State, troops conducted raid operations across Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills on 19 September 2026.
The operations resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects, four of whom were identified by the victims as members of the responsible syndicate. The same day, troops arrested two suspects for illegal possession of firearms at Mangu and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.
On 20 September 2026, troops raided suspected hideouts at Kibam, Ungwan Haruna, Nunku and Fadan Wate Villages in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, arresting five suspects believed to be terrorising residents within the area.
In the most significant success of the period, troops, in collaboration with Forest Guards, conducted an ambush at Kudu Yamma in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State, on 21 September 2026, neutralising three kidnappers while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds, and rescuing six kidnap victims in the course of exploitation.
Overall, during the quarter, troops neutralized 16 terrorist fighters, arrested 344 terrorists, and rescued 74 kidnapped victims.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
In the North Central geopolitical zone, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against kidnapping and armed criminality throughout September 2026 across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
During the month, troops neutralized one terrorist, arrested 57 terrorists, and rescued 320 kidnapped victims.
On 2 September 2026, troops engaged suspected terrorists along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, neutralising one.
Also, on 2 September 2026, troops compelled kidnappers to abandon two abducted women unharmed at Ajodomodo Village in Dekina LGA of Kogi State.
Rescue operations continued through the month, including the rescue of one passenger from an abandoned vehicle along the Ankpechi-Ogobia Road in Ohimini LGA of Benue State, on 14 September 2026, and four kidnap victims along the Takum-Katsina-Ala Road on 18 September 2026.
In a significant success on 19 September 2026, troops raided the residence of a suspected kidnap kingpin at Bukan Sidi within Lafia metropolis of Nasarawa State, arrested the suspect and discovered a locally made revolver, military-style uniforms, a luxury vehicle and ₦406,200 in cash, with evidence on his phone linking him to militia activity.
Troops disrupted several arms trafficking networks across the theatre throughout the month. Between 19 – 23 September 2026, troops arrested a suspected arms dealer at Apir Community, Benue State.
Troops also arrested a suspect for illegal possession of firearms at Apawa in Lau LGA of Taraba State and discovered two AK-47 rifles.
Troops also conducted a cordon and search operation within forests in Adavi LGA of Kogi State, on 16 September 2026, discovering ammunition from suspected terrorist hideouts.
In Nasarawa State, troops responded to a distress call on 26 September and rescued 18 passengers from a bus abducted at Andaha Community along the Jos–Akwanga Road in Akwanga LGA.
The victims were given safe passage to continue their journey. Cumulatively, during the quarter, troops neutralized 9 terrorist fighters, arrested 202 terrorists, and rescued 397 kidnapped victims.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained aggressive operations across Bayelsa, Edo and Rivers States during the period, targeting kidnapping networks, organised criminals, oil theft and illegal refining activities.
During the month, troops arrested 33 criminals, destroyed 8 illegal refining sites and recovered over 304,822 litres of petroleum products, including crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
On 4 September 2026, troops raided a bandit camp in Sasaro/Agor Forest, Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State, arresting four suspected kidnappers, while on 7 September, troops, alongside the Nigeria Police and local security groups, engaged suspected kidnappers at a ransom collection point near Ambrose Alli University, Esan West LGA of Edo State, forcing them to abandon their victims.
On 12 September, another suspected kidnapper was arrested at Obaretin Community along the Benin-Sapele Road, with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition recovered.
In the fight against crude oil theft and pipeline-related criminality, troops sustained operations against illegal refining networks and their supporting infrastructure.
On 8 September 2026, troops discovered approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at illegal refining sites around Aworkiri, while on 22 September 2026, approximately 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil were uncovered at Bethel Creek in River State. These operations further disrupted the storage, processing and transportation infrastructure exploited by oil theft syndicates across the Niger Delta.
Similarly, the Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, recorded another major success against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Rivers State. On 25 September 2026, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West LGA.
The operation resulted in the discovery of approximately 33,800 litres of petroleum products, comprising 28,520 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil.
Cumulatively, during the quarter, troops arrested 181 criminals, destroyed 104 illegal refining site and recovered over 1,610,402 litres of petroleum products including crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil, Dual Purpose Kerosene, and Premium Motor Spirit.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against secessionist elements and illegal oil bunkering throughout September 2026 across Anambra, Enugu and Imo States.
During the month, troops neutralized 3 criminals, arrested 28 suspects and rescued 6 kidnapped victims. In Imo State, troops dismantled an illegal bunkering site near Well Head 17/20 in Egbema West, Ohaji-Egbema LGA, on 11 September 2026, destroying approximately 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil.
On 14 September 2026, troops arrested a suspected secessionist Improvised Explosive Device fabrication expert along the Umulolo Junction-Linka-Ihube axis near Okigwe, who confessed to his affiliation with the group during preliminary interrogation.
In the most significant engagement of the month, troops and local security groups on patrol around “Mother Valley” in Ihitte Owerri, Orsu LGA of Imo State, encountered suspected secessionist terrorists at Obibi Forest on 23 September 2026 and discovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, a rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, arresting a suspected informant, and rescuing a female victim who had been kidnapped approximately two months earlier from her hairdressing salon in Ebematuo Village.
Cumulatively, during the quarter, troops neutralized 10 terrorist fighters, arrested 75 terrorists, rescued 20 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 2 secessionists.
CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
In furtherance of the efforts of the AFN to integrate Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities into operational priorities nationwide, the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), in Enugu, graduated beneficiaries of its Skills Acquisition Programme on 22 September 2026, in Enugu.
The initiative underscores the Association’s commitment to empowering women and youths with vocational skills for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The graduands were trained in fashion designing, baking and catering, among other vocational skills, and received start-up materials and other relevant items to support the establishment of their own ventures.
On 24 September 2026, in Enugu, in partnership with the Nwanna Arinze Foundation, strengthened its non-kinetic efforts to promote education. School bags and books were distributed to pupils and students of Command Day Secondary School, Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) Primary School and Command Children Schools in Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.
The distribution was done under the Foundation’s “Back to School Initiative” to encourage pupils, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, to return to school for the 2026/2027 Academic Session with renewed confidence and dignity.
These engagements reflect the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to building lasting partnerships with host communities and civil society organisations.
In Yobe State, troops conducted an anti-drug awareness campaign for over 300 students on 24 September 2026, under the theme, “Education as a Strategic Tool for Combating Drugs and Substance Abuse: Impact on National Security.”
The engagement sensitised students on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, while promoting education, discipline, responsible citizenship and positive choices. The initiative also highlighted the importance of preventing criminal and terrorist networks from exploiting vulnerable youths.
In conclusion, the operational record for the month of September as well as Third Quarter 2026 is indicative of the AFNs resolve across all operational theatres to ensure the creation of a safe and secure environment in the country.
The AFN neutralised 52 terrorists and criminals; arrested 350 terrorist/criminals; rescued 655 kidnapped civilians; 75 insurgents surrendered; recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition; dismantled 8 illegal refining sites; and recovered over 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The AFN demonstrated sustained capacity in confronting the full spectrum of security challenges facing the nation, from terrorism and banditry in the northern theatres to kidnapping, oil theft and secessionist agitation in the southern theatres.
The scale of successes recorded for the Third Quarter 2026 ranging from the neutalization of 554 terrorists and criminals; arrest of 1,333 terrorist/criminals; rescue of 1,736 kidnapped civilians; surrender of 333 insurgents; capture of 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition; dismantling of 104 illegal refining sites; and recovery of 1,610,402 litres of stolen petroleum products represents a significant degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide.
During the period under review, the AFN recorded a total of 367 attacks across various theatres of operation. Operation HADIN KAI recorded 33 attacks, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded 115, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded 13, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded 147, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded 55, and Operation UDO KA (OPUK) recorded 4, while Operation DELTA SAFE recorded no attacks.
Troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical maneuver, and successfully countering the attacks.
Through their resolve and professionalism, troops neutralised several of the attackers, forced others to flee, and denied them the opportunity to achieve their objectives.
All AFN Kinetic operations during the period enhanced security across all theaters of operations and the nation by disrupting terrorist and kidnapping activities, rescuing abducted civilians and protecting communities and key supply routes from attacks.
Troops also cleared improvised explosive devices, dismantled suspected terrorist camps, recovered arms and ammunition, and prevented planned attacks, thereby improving freedom of movement and strengthening confidence among residents and commuters in affected communities, and protecting critical national infrastructure.
Third Quarter 2026 Data
The Third Quarter 2026 data shows significant month-to-month fluctuations in operational outcomes. From July to August, bandits/criminals killed increased by 171.9%, while arrests declined slightly by 4.2%, civilians rescued by 51.4%, surrendered terrorists by 252.6%, arms recovered by 28.6%, ammunition recovered by 12.5%, and crude oil recovered by 11.0%.
These changes reflect the intensity and nature of operational engagements during August.
From August to September, most indicators declined from their August peaks, including 85.8% in bandits/criminals killed, 28.3% in arrests, 10.8% in civilians rescued, 62.7% in surrenders, 51.9% in arms recovered, 24.3% in ammunition recovered and 55.6% in crude oil recovered.
However, the September figures still demonstrate sustained operational activity, with 581 civilians rescued, 345 arrests, 75 surrenders, 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition recovered, alongside continued efforts to protect national economic resources.
The variations therefore reflect the changing operational environment while troops maintained their commitment to national security throughout the period.
On behalf of the AFN, the CDS, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, GCOR, AFM, commends the professionalism, dedication and sacrifice of troops across all theatres of operation for the achievements recorded during the quarter.
He also extends heartfelt commiseration to personnel, civilians and families who suffered injury, loss or hardship during the period. The CDS equally commends the sustained collaboration between the AFN and other security agencies including local security groups, noting that their combined efforts continue to strengthen the nation’s collective security architecture.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of personnel, the CDS commends Zinox Group for partnering with the AFN to establish an online discount store scheme for members of the Armed Forces (serving and retired) and their families.
The initiative reflects the important role of responsible corporate organisations in supporting national defence and security, while appreciating the sacrifices of serving personnel and veterans.
It is expected to help ease cost-of-living pressures, boost morale and strengthen the welfare of personnel who remain committed to safeguarding the nation.
Furthermore, the initiative underscores the value of the military-private sector partnerships and the patriotism of corporate citizens who recognise and support the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform.
The AFN appreciates the generosity of Mr Leo Stan Ekeh and encourages other well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to emulate this gesture in support of the Armed Forces.
The CDS further commends the media for their continued professionalism and balanced coverage of military operations throughout the quarter.
He also appeals to members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to sustain their support for troops by providing timely and credible information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193. All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Accordingly, citizens are encouraged to uphold the principle of “See Something, Say Something”, as national security remains a shared civic responsibility.
