The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised 217 terrorists, rescued 349 kidnapped victims and arrested 333 suspected terrorists and other criminals during nationwide operations in October, despite recording 98 attacks across different operational theatres.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in the military’s October operational report released on Friday. He said troops, working with the Air Component and other security agencies, sustained offensive operations that disrupted terrorist logistics, intelligence networks and arms trafficking activities between September 30 and October 30, 2026.
According to the report, 70 insurgents also surrendered to troops during the period, while 105 firearms and 3,174 rounds of ammunition were recovered from criminal elements.
The report reflects the military’s continued offensive against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft across the country’s six geo-political zones, even as security forces continued to face attacks from armed groups.
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai recorded the highest number of terrorists killed, with 162 neutralised, 98 suspects arrested and 39 kidnapped victims rescued across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
The military said troops foiled an attempted ISWAP invasion of Kukawa town in Borno State between October 6 and 7, killing 25 terrorists after hours of fierce fighting supported by air strikes.
The operation also led to the recovery of AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade bombs, anti-tank explosives and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The Defence Headquarters said many insurgents who surrendered blamed hunger, worsening hardship and clashes among rival terrorist groups for abandoning their camps.
One of the surrendered suspects in Yobe State reportedly confessed that he joined the terrorist group after being recruited through a social media platform in 2024.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised 18 terrorists, arrested 10 suspects and rescued 167 kidnapped victims during several operations in Kebbi, Katsina and neighbouring states.
The report said troops also repelled a major attack by over 100 motorcycle-riding Lakurawa fighters in Kebbi State and recovered weapons and communication equipment.
In the North-Central, Operation Whirl Stroke killed 24 terrorists, arrested 71 suspects and rescued 68 kidnapped victims across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
Troops also rescued passengers abducted along the Ayere-Kabba Road in Kogi State and intercepted armed men transporting weapons into Benue State.
Operation Savannah Shield, covering Kwara and Niger states, rescued 29 residents after terrorists attempted to abduct farmers in Niger State.
In Kaduna and Plateau states, Operation Enduring Peace neutralised six criminals, arrested 84 suspects and rescued 13 kidnapped victims.
The military also confirmed the killing of Abdussamad Ohida, identified as a senior ISWAP commander operating in Central Nigeria, during an operation in Ondo State.
According to the report, the commander was planning major attacks ahead of the festive season, and his death dealt a significant blow to the group’s expansion plans.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka rescued 33 civilians, including prospective National Youth Service Corps members kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.
Security operatives later arrested five members of the kidnapping syndicate and recovered rifles, a pistol and ammunition.
Operation Delta Safe in the South-South arrested 45 suspects, dismantled 49 illegal refining sites and recovered over 756,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during anti-crude oil theft operations.
The military also said troops carried out medical outreaches, community development projects and healthcare interventions as part of efforts to strengthen relations with local communities.
Major General Onoja said the Nigerian Air Force also reviewed its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan while deepening engagement with Amnesty International Nigeria on international humanitarian and human rights standards.
Although the military recorded significant operational successes, the report showed that troops came under 98 attacks during the month, with Operation Enduring Peace recording the highest number, followed by Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fansan Yamma.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, condoled with the people of Taraba State over the recent terrorist attack in Binari community and assured that those responsible would be tracked down and brought to justice.
He also urged Nigerians to support security agencies with credible intelligence, warning that informants, collaborators, gunrunners and logistics suppliers aiding terrorist groups would face the full weight of the law if arrested.
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