The Defence Headquarters said it’s troops recorded an improved performance against terrorists and criminals last month in the ongoing war, Including the elimination of 324 terrorists and criminals.
Over 373 terrorist/criminals were arrested in August 2026 while 610 kidnap victims were rescued by troops across the country
Director of Defence Media Operation , Major General Michael Onoja disclosed this in Abuja at a press conference on the activities of Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, against the insurgents in the protracted terrorists war
He said that “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 recovered of 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 21 illegal refining sites.”
On the whole, the AFN has significantly degraded the capabilities of criminals and terrorists across the nation, he said adding that (The bar chart provides a comparative overview of the operational successes recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria from June to August 2026, highlighting the fluctuations and overall progress across key operational indicators. The pie chart shows a mixed operational trend from June to August 2026, with most indicators recording a decline in July followed by a significant recovery in August.
The number of bandits/criminals killed or neutralised declined by 20.9% in July but rose sharply by 217.6% in August, while arrests fell by 29.0% in July before increasing by 8.1% in August. Civilians rescued similarly declined by 27.5% in July but increased substantially by 55.2% in August. In contrast, surrendered terrorists recorded a consistent and remarkable increase, rising from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, indicating growing pressure on hostile elements and possible willingness to abandon terrorism. Arms and ammunition recoveries declined considerably in July but rebounded in August, while crude oil recovery fell by 18.8% in July before surging by 174.2% in August.
Overall, the August figures demonstrate a marked improvement in operational effectiveness, reflecting intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, enhanced intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, increased pressure on criminal and terrorist networks, and strengthened efforts to protect civilians and critical national assets).
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commends the gallantry, discipline, resilience and unrelenting resolve of troops across all theatres of operation for the successes recorded during the reporting period.
He recognises the sacrifices made by personnel in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal and secessionist networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting the nation’s critical assets.
The CDS also sympathises with the families of civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the period and wishes injured personnel and other victims a speedy recovery. He commends the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, local security groups and other security agencies and stakeholders for the operational synergy that continues to produce tangible results.
The CDS further appreciates traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public whose credible information and cooperation continue to strengthen the security architecture and assist troops in preventing and responding to threats.
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 general public is encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193. Please be assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.