Military arrested 1359, terrorists, killed many, rescued, 813 kidnapped civilians

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) said they killed many terrorists between January and March this year while 1359 of them were arrested.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja while briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday on activities of the soldiers to combat terrorists and insurgents in parts of Nigeria.
According to General Onoja, other highlights of the operations of the military in all theatres of operations during the same period included rescue of 813 kidnapped civilians and the surrender of 197 insurgents.
Others, he said included recovery of 458 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition, dismantling of 101 illegal refining sites as well as the recovery of over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Said Onoja, “The First Quarter of 2026 demonstrated the unwavering resolve, professionalism, and gallantry of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Across seven operational theatres, the AFN delivered measurable strategic outcomes: scores of terrorists and criminal leaders eliminated; 1,359 suspects arrested; 813 kidnapped civilians rescued; 197 insurgents surrendered; 458 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition recovered; 101 illegal refining sites dismantled; and over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered representing a significant degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide.
“Notably, the confirmation by ISWAP of the death of senior Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir attests to the irreversible impact of AFN’s sustained kinetic operations on the group’s command structure,” he further said.
In the North East, “Troops neutralized several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters, arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 90 insurgents and their families.
“In a significant development bearing testament to the operational pressure exerted on the terrorist group, the ISWAP has confirmed the death of senior leader and Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.”

In the Northwet, the Spokesman said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained sustained operational tempo across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States through seamless integration of ground manoeuvres, air interdiction, real-time intelligence, and community collaboration. “Across the quarter, troops neutralized scores of terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, and rescued 386 kidnapped victims. In the month of March 2026, key successes include: the destruction of a Lakurawa group terrorist enclave in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State on 8 March 2026; arrest of 15 suspected logistics suppliers with 9 motorcycles and 19 jerrycans of PMS in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State on 10 March 2026; rescue of four kidnapped victims along the Alikere–Yankara axis, Faskari LGA of Katsina State on 13 March 2026; and the rescue of the Secretary of Kibiya LGA from a forest hideout in conjunction with DSS operatives on 25 March 2026,” among other achievements.

In the North Central, “Key successes during the quarter include the neutralization of scores of terrorists, arrest of suspects, and significant arms recoveries. On 1 March 2026, over 17 terrorists were neutralized at Roguwa Forest, Patigi LGA of Niger State. On 28 February 2026, eight 50-kg bags of ammonium chloride confirmed as an IED precursor were intercepted on the Eruku–Egbe Road, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State. On 22 March 2026, terrorists attacked an ECWA Church at Ora-Ago Community, Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, abducting nine worshippers, troops and vigilantes swiftly rescued three victims.
“On 23 March 2026, six suspected terrorists were arrested with a locally made pistol and ammunition at Oke Onigbin, Isin LGA of Kwara State. On 26 March 2026, seven illegal miners, including four foreign nationals from Niger Republic, were arrested at Luma Village, Borgu LGA of Niger State,” General Onoja added.

The DDMO highlighted some of the strides by the soldiers in the South-South during the period under review to include intensified “operations to combat illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, and criminality across the South South region and adjoining states.
“During the quarter, troops arrested 219 suspects, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 547,920 litres of petroleum products such as crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) combined.

“Furthermore, in March 2026, key highlights include: interception of approximately 45,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a wooden boat near Cool Beach, Bonny LGA of Rivers State on 27 February 2026; total petroleum products recovered during the period are 193,570 litres; neutralization of three suspected kidnappers at Egoro Forest, Etsako West LGA of Edo State on 10 March 2026,” among other achievements.

From the Southeast, Onoja disclosed that “Troops of Operation UDO KA targeted criminal elements of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), sustaining clearance and anti-criminality operations across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
“During the quarter, troops arrested 91 suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped victims, recovering arms, ammunition, and IED materials, while over 80 militants surrendered to troops in January 2026.
“In the month of January 2026, troops neutralized terrorists, arrested 22 suspects, and rescued 11 kidnapped victims; eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during cross-border patrols along Bakassi waterways. Troops neutralized terrorists at an IPOB/ESN logistics hub, recovering foreign currency, weapons, and a Police (MOPOL) shirt bearing Biafran IPOB insignia.
During the briefing, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, Coordinator of “Operation Safe Corridor” also briefed journalists disclosing that the Programme was not being used to get repentant terrorists recruited into the Nigeria Military.
The Programme, he insisted is designed to help Civilians who were forcefully conscripted into terrorism get rehabilitation and re-integrated into the society.
He also assured that the Military was not in any way pampering those who under deradicalization in the Programme.
In conclusion, General Onojaassured Nigerians that “The AFN reaffirms its commitment to operating in strict accordance with its rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions, and all applicable legal frameworks.
“Ongoing operations will be further intensified to decisively dismantle all remaining criminal and terrorist elements.
“The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, extends profound appreciation to all AFN personnel for their sacrifice and dedication. He commends the invaluable support of sister security agencies, the media, and the Nigerian public, whose cooperation and timely intelligence remain critical to operational success.
“The CDS pays solemn tribute to those who paid the supreme price in service to the nation, reassuring their families that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. “The CDS acknowledges the Presidential Directive to create a special fund for veterans and the military personnel who are victims/affected by war. This kind gesture is indicative of the Commander in Chiefs appreciation of the sacrifices of service personnel,” he said. Globalupfront.