Abuja: The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops eliminated 324 terrorists and criminals, apprehended 373 others, and rescued 610 kidnap victims across the country in August. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this at the monthly press briefing on ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onoja reported that the military also recorded the surrender of 201 insurgents and recovered 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition during the period. He emphasized that August was marked by coordinated land, air, and maritime operations focused on degrading the capabilities of terrorist and criminal groups.
Onoja highlighted that the operations not only targeted the elimination of hostile elements but also included the rescue of abducted citizens, disruption of arms trafficking and logistics chains, countering secessionist and other armed criminal elements, and protecting critical national assets. The Air Component played a crucial role by providing consistent combat support and reconnaissance.
The military’s Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, maintained aggressive counter-terrorism operations in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe, neutralizing 114 terrorists, arresting 146, and rescuing 60 kidnapped victims. Notable rescues included two women and two children near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA of Borno State on Aug. 1, and Miss Blessing Tuggur, abducted in November 2025 at Askira Uba LGA.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained large-scale counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, neutralizing 190 terrorists, arresting 47, and rescuing 126 victims. In the North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 329 kidnap victims, including 308 women and children, in a joint operation within Kainji Lake National Park in Borgu LGA of Niger on Aug. 5.
Onoja expressed concern over the safety and wellbeing of residents displaced or abducted from communities in Borgu LGA of Niger, emphasizing the military’s commitment to locate, rescue, and safely return affected citizens. Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Taraba rescued 15 and 38 victims, respectively, while Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South rescued 38 civilians, and Operation UDO KA in the South East rescued four.
The Air Component delivered decisive blows, including precision strikes that neutralized scores of terrorists assembling with about 15 motorcycles in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger on Aug. 6, and disrupted over 300 motorcycles around Sangeko and Baba-Doka areas on Aug. 9.
Onoja noted a marked improvement in operational effectiveness, with a sharp increase in the number of bandits and criminals neutralized and civilians rescued in August compared to July. The operational record for August stands as compelling evidence of the Armed Forces’ sustained resolve to ensure a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace.
A notable increase in surrendered terrorists from June to August indicates growing pressure on hostile elements and potential willingness to abandon terrorism. Onoja quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commending the troops for their gallantry, discipline, and resilience. He also acknowledged a gesture by Air Peace, where military personnel received a standing ovation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Onoja urged the public to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193, assuring that all information received would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.