MILITARY REPORTS 217 TERRORISTS NEUTRALISED, 349 KIDNAP VICTIMS RESCUED IN ONE MONTH

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reported that troops neutralised 217 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 333 suspects and rescued 349 kidnapped victims during military operations conducted between September 30 and October 30, 2026. The figures were disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a military briefing in Abuja on Friday. According to the military, the operations were conducted across different parts of the country as part of ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats, the military also reported that 70 insurgents surrendered during the period under review. In addition, troops reportedly recovered 105 weapons and 3,174 rounds of ammunition during the operations. The military described the results as part of its continuing efforts to weaken criminal networks, disrupt terrorist activities and restore security in affected communities. Beyond counterterrorism operations, the military also reported significant activities against crude oil theft and illegal petroleum refining. According to the briefing, troops dismantled 49 illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 756,837 litres of stolen petroleum products, the operations were aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure and reducing economic losses associated with crude oil theft. The military further disclosed that a senior Islamic State West Africa Province commander, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, was reportedly neutralised during an operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State, on October 2. Despite the reported operational successes, insecurity remains a major concern for millions of Nigerians, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and attacks on rural communities continue to generate anxiety among residents and travellers. The reported rescue of 349 kidnapped victims is significant, but it also raises questions about the number of people who remain in captivity across different parts of the country, while the military’s figures indicate considerable activity by security forces, Nigerians will ultimately judge these efforts by their impact on everyday safety. The priority remains ensuring that communities can live, work, travel and conduct their daily activities without the constant fear of attacks, the Armed Forces have reiterated their commitment to sustaining operations against criminal groups across the country.