Troops Destabilised Terrorists Network in July, Killed 102, Arrested 345 Suspects, Rescued 393 Kidnap Victims
Published by Sola Akingboye
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) successfully neutralised 102 terrorists and other criminal elements, apprehended 345 suspects, and rescued 393 individuals who had been kidnapped during coordinated operations throughout the country in July.
As part of the military scorecard for July 2026, the DHQ, during a monthly briefing on military operations at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.on Friday, spoke through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
He noted that ongoing offensives across the seven operational theatres have considerably diminished the operational capabilities of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal organisations.
He further stated that 57 insurgents surrendered to the troops during this timeframe, and the forces recovered 59 weapons along with 1,811 rounds of ammunition. He emphasised that the Armed Forces remain dedicated to protecting lives, ensuring Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and dismantling criminal networks nationwide.
Onoja also pointed out advancements in combating crude oil theft, indicating that troops recovered over 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites. He mentioned that security forces have also restricted the operations of sea pirates on the nation’s waterways through persistent maritime operations.
In addition to kinetic operations, the military has enhanced its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives to foster peace and improve community relations. Onoja reported that troops from Operation Delta Safe facilitated mediation between SEEPCO and its host communities of Aseomuku and Umusadege-Ogbe in Delta State, while Operation Whirl Stroke organised peace and security meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies in parts of Benue and Nasarawa states to mitigate communal tensions.
He also revealed that troops from Operation Hadin Kai assisted health authorities in addressing a cholera outbreak in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State by setting up temporary treatment and quarantine facilities.
Troops collaborated with the Nigerian Bar Association and General Hospital, Baga, to sensitise residents in schools and markets on cholera prevention and hygiene practices.
The Defence spokesman said the Armed Forces also executed several community development projects nationwide, including the construction of town halls in Cross River and Imo states, installation of industrial solar-powered boreholes in Katsina, Niger and Kwara states, restoration of electricity in Akwa Ibom State, and renovation of a primary school in Kogi State.
According to Onoja, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, praised the professionalism of troops across all operation theatres for their achievements in July.
He particularly commended the AFN and other security agencies for their cooperation in rescuing 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, on 15th May.
Major General Onoja emphasised that the rescue was accomplished without concessions to the abductors and assured that no leniency will be shown to perpetrators of such crimes in the future.
He also expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the incident and to officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
The CDS reaffirmed the AFN’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding lives and property across Nigeria and its determination to eliminate terrorism, kidnapping, secessionist movements, and other criminal acts from society.
