52 terrorists killed as military counters 367 attacks nationwide

The Defence Headquarters says the military recorded 367 attacks across its various theatres of operation in September 2026, killing 52 terrorists and criminals during the period.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Wednesday while giving an update on the military’s operations across the country.

According to him, Operation Enduring Peace recorded the highest number of attacks with 147 incidents, followed by Operation Fansan Yamma with 115 and Operation Whirl Stroke with 55.

Operation Hadin Kai recorded 33 attacks, while Operation Savannah Shield and Operation Udo Ka recorded 13 and four attacks respectively. Operation Delta Safe recorded no attacks during the period.

Onoja said troops responded to the attacks by engaging the assailants with firepower and tactical manoeuvres, resulting in the successful disruption of several operations.

He said the military also arrested 350 terrorists and criminals, rescued 655 kidnapped civilians and secured the surrender of 75 insurgents in September.

Troops also recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition, dismantled eight illegal refining sites and recovered more than 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Onoja said, “The operational record for the month of September is indicative of the AFN’s resolve across all operational theatres to ensure the creation of a safe and secure environment in the country.”

Giving the military’s third-quarter performance, he said troops neutralised 554 terrorists and criminals and arrested 1,333 others between July and September 2026.

During the quarter, troops also rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians, secured the surrender of 333 insurgents, recovered 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition, dismantled 104 illegal refining sites and recovered 1,610,402 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Onoja said the operations covered terrorism and banditry in the northern theatres as well as kidnapping, oil theft and secessionist activities in the southern parts of the country.