Mariam Sanni
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ has revealed that troops had neutralized 129 terrorists, arrested 486 terrorist/ criminals in the months of June.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, DMO Major General Michael Onoja in a press briefing in Abuja, the operational record for the month of June as well as Second Quarter 2026 stands as compelling testimony to the sustained professionalism, operational excellence, and unwavering resolve of troops across all operational theatres.
He added that 542 kidnapped civilianswas rescued; 11 insurgents surrendered; 130 arms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition recovered; 7 illegal refining sites dismantled; and over 308,515 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered.
He stated that for the Second Quarter 2026, the AFN neutralized 662 terrorists and criminals; 1,084 terrorist/criminals arrested; 951 kidnapped civilians rescued; 39 insurgents surrendered; 328 arms and 12,590 rounds of ammunitionrecovered; 12 illegal refining sites dismantled; and over 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products recoveredrepresenting a significant degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide.
“Notably, the rescue of over 360 civilians from unlawful captivity, including the landmark multi-axis rescue at the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza LGA, Borno State on 6 June 2026, the neutralisation of numerous hostile elements, the systematic dismantling of insurgent and criminal logistics networks, the recovery of substantial caches of arms and ammunition, the interception of significant volumes of illicitly refined petroleum products, and the targeted decapitation of IPOB/ESN command structures collectively represent a period of exceptional operational achievement across all geopolitical zones.
“ All operations were conducted in strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law, constitutional rules of engagement, and the AFN’s fundamental mandate to protect the life, property, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, commended the gallantry and discipline demonstrated by troops across all theatres during the period.
He appreciated the civilian communities, the Civilian Joint Task Forces, local vigilante groups, and all security agencies whose cooperation and invaluable intelligence contributions have been critical enablers of the successes reported herein.
General Oluyede reassured the Nigerian public and the international community that the Defence Headquarters will sustain and intensify its operational tempo against all threats to national security until every theatre is stabilised, displaced persons are able to return to their homes, and every Nigerian can live in freedom, safety, and dignity.
“The general public is encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193.
“You are assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The Chief of Defence Staff urges all Nigerians that national security is a shared civic responsibility,” he said .
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