The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops neutralised over 324 terrorists and other criminals, arrested 373 suspects, and rescued 610 kidnap victims during operations across the country in August 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during the Defence Headquarters Monthly briefing on Monday. He added that 201 insurgents surrendered to troops during the period, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered from criminal elements.
According to General Onoja, sustained operations against crude oil theft led to the recovery of approximately 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and the destruction of 21 illegal refining sites.
“The operational record for August reflected the sustained efforts of the Armed Forces to create a secure environment for peace and socio-economic development across the country,” the statement read.
“Over 324 terrorists and criminals were neutralised this month, with 373 terrorists and criminals arrested and 610 kidnap victims rescued.
Additionally, 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered.”
The DHQ stated that the successes recorded against crude oil theft had continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs.
The military said its operational activities during the month significantly degraded the capabilities of terrorists and other criminal groups across the nation.
An analysis of the Armed Forces’ operational performance between June and August revealed a mixed trend, with several key indicators declining in July before recording significant improvements in August.
The number of terrorists and criminals neutralised declined by 20.9 per cent in July but rose sharply by 217.6 per cent in August. Similarly, arrests fell by 29 per cent in July before increasing by 8.1 per cent in August, while the number of civilians rescued dropped by 27.5 per cent in July but rose substantially by 55.2 per cent in August.
The number of insurgents surrendering to troops recorded a consistent increase during the three-month period, rising from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August. The DHQ said this reflected the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist and insurgent groups, as well as the possible willingness of some members to abandon criminal activities.
Recoveries of arms and ammunition declined considerably in July but rebounded in August, while the volume of crude oil products recovered fell by 18.8 per cent in July before surging by 174.2 per cent in August.
According to the military, the August figures reflected a marked improvement in operational effectiveness, driven by intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, enhanced intelligence gathering, and increased inter-agency cooperation.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops across various theatres of operation for their gallantry, discipline, resilience, and commitment.
General Oluyede recognised the sacrifices of military personnel in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal and secessionist networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering, and protecting critical national assets.
“The Chief of Defence Staff commends the gallantry, discipline, resilience and unrelenting resolve of troops across all theatres of operation for the successes recorded during the reporting period,” the statement said.
