The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, on Monday said troops killed 324 terrorists, arrested 373 suspects and rescued 610 kidnap victims across the country in the month of August 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the figures while briefing journalists on military operations within the month in Abuja.
Gen. Onoja said 201 terrorists surrendered to troops, with 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition recovered.
He said troops also destroyed 21 illegal refining sites and recovered 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products.
“Over 324 terrorists and criminals were neutralized this month, with 373 terrorist/criminals arrested and 610 kidnap victims rescued. Additionally, 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2077 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft has continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs which yielded the recovery of 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 21 illegal refining sites,” Onoja said.
He said the August figures represented a significant improvement in the military’s operational effectiveness, attributing the gains to intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced inter-agency cooperation.
The DDMO further disclosed that the number of surrendered terrorists increased from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, which he said indicated growing pressure on terrorist groups.
Speaking on the recent abduction of worshippers in Niger State, Onoja said military formations had continued to collaborate with other security agencies and state government institutions through intelligence sharing and identification of areas requiring security intervention.
He cited the rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on August 5 as evidence of the security forces’ capacity to locate and rescue victims.
“The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on the 5th of August, alongside subsequent operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement within the Borgu axis, demonstrates the commitment and capability of the security forces to locate, rescue, and safely return affected citizens,” he said.
According to him, troops are maintaining pressure on terrorists operating within and around the Kainji Lake National Park and other identified corridors to prevent further incursions and create conditions for displaced residents to return to their communities.
“The Armed Forces, therefore, reassures the people of Borgu and their communities that military operations against terrorists and criminals will be sustained in the local government area and its environs to ensure the safety of the community,” Onoja said.
He urged families of abducted persons to remain calm and avoid actions that could undermine rescue operations, stressing that credible information was vital to the military’s efforts.
“To the families of the victims and all persons affected by the heinous activities of terrorists and criminals, the Armed Forces acknowledges the anxiety, pain, and uncertainty that accompanies the loss or affliction of family members and friends,” he said.
“We want to urge everybody to remain calm and have confidence in the ongoing efforts of the military and other security agencies, while avoiding actions that could compromise rescue or recovery operations.”
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, remained committed to rescuing kidnapped victims, protecting civilians and facilitating the return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
He added that the defence chief had directed that the military continue to operate with determination, professionalism and courage in the fight against terrorism and criminality.