The Nigerian military’s sustained operations targeting terrorists’ logistics and supply networks have resulted in the recovery of a large cache of firearms and ammunition, disrupting terrorist activities and weakening their operational capabilities. TARKAA DAVID writes that over the past six months, the operations have also led to the surrender of 123,079 terrorists and the arrest of 22,443 suspects.
As Nigeria grapples with persistent insecurity, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in line with its constitutional mandate, have continued to confront non-state armed groups across various theatres of operation, with many personnel paying the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Backed by strategic partnerships and intelligence-driven operations, the military has increasingly focused on dismantling terrorists’ logistics and supply networks while targeting key commanders. The approach, aimed at cutting off the flow of weapons, ammunition, fuel and other critical resources, has dealt significant blows to terrorist groups and weakened their operational capabilities.
The Nigerian Armed Forces recorded significant operational gains across the country in the last six months, as troops neutralised 2,021 terrorists, recovered 786 firearms and seized 28,489 rounds of ammunition in sustained efforts to degrade criminal and terrorist networks.
Findings indicate that the operations also led to the rescue of 1,764 kidnapped victims, the arrest of 22,443 suspects, and the surrender of 123,079 terrorists to troops.
In the Niger Delta, troops disrupted major oil theft activities, recovering stolen crude oil and petroleum products valued at billions of naira, while denying criminal networks access to critical resources.
Between January and April alone, the military recorded further successes, with troops neutralising 2,026 terrorists, arresting 1,359 suspects, rescuing 813 kidnapped civilians, and recovering 458 firearms alongside 15,899 rounds of ammunition.
Among those eliminated during the operations were key terrorist figures, including Abu Yahya Al-Muhaji and Abu Yusu, popularly known as Munzir of Dursula, among others.
In the first quarter of 2026, about 12,340 terrorists surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI, while airstrikes carried out in May 2026 on terrorist hideouts in Niger resulted in the elimination of 70 terrorists, although the operation attracted allegations of civilian casualties.
Overall, within the first quarter, troops neutralised 1,597 terrorists, arrested 3,456 suspected criminals, and rescued more than 1,500 kidnapped victims as part of ongoing efforts to restore security across affected areas.
In the second quarter of 2026 alone, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded further operational gains, neutralising 662 terrorists and criminals, arresting 1,084 suspected terrorists and criminal elements, rescuing 951 kidnapped civilians, while 39 insurgents surrendered to troops.
The operations also led to the recovery of 328 firearms and 12,590 rounds of ammunition, the destruction of 12 illegal refining sites, and the recovery of more than 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products. Authorities say the successes represent a significant degradation of terrorist and criminal networks’ operational capacity nationwide.
Highlighting the achievements, to journalists at a recent media briefing, the director Defence media operations , Major General Onoja noted: “Notably, the rescue of over 360 civilians from unlawful captivity, including the landmark multi-axis rescue operation at the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza local Ggvernment area of Borno State, on 6 June 2026, and the neutralisation of numerous hostile elements, underscore the effectiveness of ongoing military operations.”
Major General Michael Onoja said the systematic dismantling of insurgent and criminal logistics networks, recovery of substantial arms and ammunition caches, interception of illicitly refined petroleum products, and targeted disruption of IPOB/ESN command structures collectively marked a period of exceptional operational achievement across all geopolitical zones.
He noted that the operations were conducted in strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law, constitutional rules of engagement, and the AFN’s mandate to protect the lives and property of Nigerians as well as safeguard the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Giving a breakdown of achievements in the second quarter, Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP networks across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States through high-impact clearance operations, targeted rescue missions, and interdictions against terrorist supply chains.
He said troops neutralised 76 terrorist fighters, arrested 97 terrorists, rescued 465 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents alongside their families.
According to him, the landmark operation of the quarter was conducted on 6 June 2026, when troops executed a multi-axis raid across the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza local government area, Borno State, rescuing 360 civilians, predominantly women and children, who had been held captive since their abduction from Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026.
Onoja said the rescued victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gwoza, for urgent medical attention.
He said troops on 21 June 2026 evacuated 27 surrendered terrorists and their family members from the Jemu area, Kukawa LGA, Borno State, airlifting them to Maiduguri for medical attention and processing, while on 24 June 2026, 53 civilians and 8 hijacked vehicles were rescued along the Buratai-Kamuya road.
