…Arrest 333 others, rescued 349 kidnap victims
The Defence Headquarters says on Friday that troops neutralised over 217 terrorists including Deputy Commander of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida and arrested 333 other terrorists and criminals in October.
Spokesperson for Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja disclosed this in Abuja while briefing the media on the activities of the military.He said Commanders Ohida, was killed during a military operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State, as part of intensified efforts to prevent planned large-scale terrorist attacks across the country during the forthcoming festive season.
According the military, Ohida’s neutralisation represents a significant setback to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria, particularly its plans to launch attacks during the approaching festive period.
Major General Onoja said operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in October 2026 indicated that the country internal adversary is under pressure from multiple fronts, and the pressure resulted in the rescue of 349 kidnap victims.
“Additionally, 70 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 105 arms and 3174 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft have continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs, yielding the recovery of 756,837 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 49 illegal refining sites.”
Onoja also said that in the North East geopolitical zone which has been at the peak of terrorist activities troops pressure had led to series of surrenders, disrupted supply routes and decisive counter-attacks that have steadily eroded terrorist cohesion.
In the North West and North Central geopolitical zones, rescue of civilians, raids on terrorist and the arrest of kingpins, gunrunners and collaborators have significantly restricted the terrorist and criminals from perpetrating heinous crimes against innocent civilians.
In the North West and North Central geopolitical zones, rescue of civilians, raids on terrorist and the arrest of kingpins, gunrunners and collaborators have significantly restricted the terrorist and criminals from perpetrating heinous crimes against innocent civilians
In the South-South and South East geopolitical zones, troops have curbed oil theft as well as disrupted kidnapping and secessionist networks. Meanwhile, the Air Component has provided precise and timely support throughout while the Navy has focused on disrupting illegal refining activities and supporting other security operations.
Despite the pressure the Nigerian Armed Forces said it’s recorded a total of 98 attacks across various theatres of operation in October.
“Operation HADIN KAI recorded 27 attacks, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded 24, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded 29, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded 12, Operation UDO KA (OPUK) recorded 4, while Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded 1 attack each. Troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical maneuver, and successfully repelled the attacks.”
Sadly, the month, however, was not without some sad events. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, AFM, on behalf of the AFN, extends heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Taraba especially the families of the civilians who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in Binari, Karim Lamido LGA on 23 October 2026.
He prays for the souls of the departed and assures the nation that no effort will be spared to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The CDS further affirms that the loss of all innocent lives will only strengthen the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect lives and property.
General Oluyede commends the resilience of troops across all theatres of operation during the month, and urges them to remain disciplined, to always uphold the rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
He urged them to guard against complacency, particularly with the approach of the festive season. The CDS appreciates other security agencies for their collaboration and calls on them to deepen intelligence sharing and joint planning.
He appreciates the media for their reportage, urging continued accuracy and verification, particularly on sensitive communal matters, so that no report inflames tension or compromises ongoing operations.
He appeals to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and all stakeholders to report threats promptly, reject mob action and refuse safe havens to criminals.
The CDS further warns that terrorist collaborators, informants, logistics suppliers, recruiters and gunrunners will not be spared, once arrested. The general public is also encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193. He assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.