The Defence Headquarters has said Nigerian troops recorded 367 attacks across different theatres of operation in September 2026. In addition, 52 terrorists and other criminals were killed during the period. Notably, many of these incidents were part of military September operations nationwide.
According to The PUNCH, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the figures on Wednesday. This was while he was reviewing the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s military September operations across the country.
Operation Enduring Peace recorded the highest number of attacks with 147 incidents. It was followed by Operation Fansan Yamma with 115 and Operation Whirl Stroke with 55.
Operation Hadin Kai recorded 33 attacks, while Operation Savannah Shield recorded 13 and Operation Udo Ka recorded four.
Operation Delta Safe recorded no attacks during the period. Clearly, this demonstrates the varied scope of military September operations in different regions.
Troops responded to 367 attacks
Onoja said troops responded to the attacks with what he described as superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres.
“During the period under review, the AFN recorded a total of 367 attacks across various theatres of operation,” he said.
He added that troops “responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre, and successfully countering the attacks.”
According to Onoja, the military also arrested 350 terrorists and criminals. They rescued 655 kidnapped civilians and facilitated the surrender of 75 insurgents during September.
Troops recover arms, stolen petroleum products
The Defence Headquarters said troops recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition during the month. These details reflect the effectiveness of military September operations across theatres.
Military personnel also dismantled eight illegal refining sites and recovered more than 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products.
“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,” Onoja said.
He added that the military “neutralised 52 terrorists and criminals; arrested 350 terrorist/criminals; rescued 655 kidnapped civilians; 75 insurgents surrendered; recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition; dismantled eight illegal refining sites; and recovered over 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products.”
554 killed in third quarter
Onoja said military operations during the third quarter of 2026 resulted in the killing of 554 terrorists and criminals.
Troops also arrested 1,333 suspects, rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians and received 333 surrendered insurgents during the three-month period.
The military recovered 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition. In addition, they dismantled 104 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 1.6 million litres of stolen petroleum products.
“The AFN demonstrated sustained capacity in confronting the full spectrum of security challenges facing the nation, from terrorism and banditry in the northern theatres to kidnapping, oil theft and secessionist agitation in the southern theatres,” Onoja said.
He described the third-quarter figures as evidence of a significant reduction. The figures show a decrease in the operational capacity of terrorist and criminal groups across the country.
