The Armed Forces of Nigeria have said troops neutralised more than 324 terrorists and other criminals, arrested 373 suspects and rescued 610 kidnap victims during operations across the country in August 2026.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja was speaking during Defence Headquarters Monthly briefing on Monday. He added that 201 insurgents also surrendered to troops during the period, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered from criminal elements.
The military also said its sustained operations against crude oil theft led to the recovery of about 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and the destruction of 21 illegal refining sites.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operational record for August reflected the sustained efforts of the Armed Forces to create a secure environment for peace and socio-economic development across the country.
“Over 324 terrorists and criminals were neutralised this month, with 373 terrorists and criminals arrested and 610 kidnap victims rescued,” the statement said.
“Additionally, 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered.”
The DHQ said the successes recorded against crude oil theft had continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs.
“The overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft have continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs, which yielded the recovery of 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and the destruction of 21 illegal refining sites,” it stated.
The military said its operational activities during the month significantly degraded the capabilities of terrorists and other criminal groups across the country.
An analysis of the Armed Forces’ operational performance between June and August showed a mixed trend, with several key indicators declining in July before recording significant improvements in August.
The number of terrorists and criminals killed or neutralised declined by 20.9 per cent in July but rose sharply by 217.6 per cent in August.
Similarly, arrests fell by 29 per cent in July before increasing by 8.1 per cent in August, while the number of civilians rescued dropped by 27.5 per cent in July but rose substantially by 55.2 per cent in August.
The number of insurgents surrendering to troops, however, recorded a consistent increase during the three-month period, rising from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August.
The DHQ said the increase in the number of surrendered insurgents reflected the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist and insurgent groups, as well as the possible willingness of some members to abandon criminal activities.
Recoveries of arms and ammunition also declined considerably in July but rebounded in August, while the volume of crude oil products recovered fell by 18.8 per cent in July before surging by 174.2 per cent in August.
According to the military, the August figures reflected a marked improvement in operational effectiveness, driven by intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, enhanced intelligence gathering and increased inter-agency cooperation.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops across various theatres of operation for their gallantry, discipline, resilience and commitment.
Oluyede recognised the sacrifices of military personnel in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal and secessionist networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting critical national assets.
“The Chief of Defence Staff commends the gallantry, discipline, resilience and unrelenting resolve of troops across all theatres of operation for the successes recorded during the reporting period,” the statement said.
The CDS also sympathised with the families of civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the period and wished injured personnel and other victims a speedy recovery.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other security agencies for what he described as sustained operational synergy.
The Defence Chief also appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public for providing credible information and cooperating with security agencies.
The CDS further commended the media for its professionalism and responsible reportage of military operations, urging continued partnership in keeping the public informed while safeguarding operational security.
In a related development, Oluyede acknowledged a recent gesture by Air Peace, in which military personnel were reportedly accorded a standing ovation by the airline’s staff and passengers while boarding a flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The gesture followed a directive by the airline’s Chairman, Mr Allen Onyema, that military and police personnel should be accorded priority boarding and recognised for their service and sacrifices.
“The CDS sincerely and profoundly appreciates this heartfelt expression of goodwill and encourages other corporate organisations, institutions and citizens to support and recognise those who continue to stand in the defence of our dear nation, Nigeria,” the statement said.
The Armed Forces reassured Nigerians of their commitment to sustaining the current operational tempo, protecting lives and property and defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
“The AFN reassures all Nigerians that it remains resolute in sustaining the current operational tempo, protecting lives and property, defending the nation’s territorial integrity and working with all relevant stakeholders until peace, stability and security are firmly consolidated across the country,” the statement added.
The military urged members of the public to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through its toll-free line, 193, assuring Nigerians that information received would be treated with confidentiality.
