The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced that troops operating across various theatres of operation neutralised more than 102 terrorists and other criminal elements during operations conducted in July, while 345 suspected terrorists and criminals were arrested nationwide.
The military also disclosed that 393 kidnapped victims were rescued during the period, as troops recovered 59 firearms and 1,811 rounds of ammunition in sustained offensives aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of terrorist groups, bandits and other violent criminal networks.
Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the operational achievements during a monthly briefing with defence correspondents in Abuja on Friday, describing the results as evidence of the Armed Forces’ sustained offensive against insecurity across the country.
According to him, 57 insurgents also surrendered to troops during the month, while military operations against crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage recorded significant gains in the Niger Delta.
“Over 102 terrorists and criminals were neutralised this month, with 345 terrorists and criminals arrested and 393 kidnapped victims rescued. Additionally, 57 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 59 arms and 1,811 rounds of ammunition were recovered,” Onoja said.
He noted that the successes reflected the military’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating across the North-East, North-West, North-Central and other troubled parts of the country.
“As a result of these operations, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has significantly degraded the capabilities of terrorists and criminal elements across the nation,” he added.
Rescue operations
Highlighting some of the operations carried out during the month, the Defence spokesman said troops on July 7 engaged terrorists hiding in Dutse Mopo in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation led to the rescue of two abducted victims, while troops recovered ₦1.2 million believed to be ransom money from the terrorists.
He described the July operational record as “compelling testimony” to the Armed Forces’ resolve to provide a secure environment that would support socio-economic growth, investment and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
Crackdown on oil thieves
Beyond counter-terrorism operations, the Defence Headquarters said troops under Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations across Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Edo states.
According to Onoja, troops arrested three suspected terrorists, rescued 37 civilians and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites during the month.
He added that security forces recovered over 250,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in operations targeted at disrupting crude oil theft and illegal refining activities that continue to undermine Nigeria’s economy.
The Defence Headquarters has repeatedly identified crude oil theft as a major threat to national economic security, with military authorities sustaining joint operations alongside other security agencies to dismantle illegal refining camps and protect critical oil infrastructure.
CDS commends troops
Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended officers and soldiers serving in different operational theatres for their professionalism, courage and resilience.
He particularly praised troops and other security agencies involved in the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
The victims regained their freedom following a month-long intelligence-led, multi-agency operation involving the Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Intelligence Agency, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes. Government officials said the rescue was carried out without conceding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of detained terrorist suspects.
The Defence spokesman said the CDS also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of officers and soldiers who lost their lives during military operations in defence of the country.
Civil-military cooperation
Onoja further disclosed that military formations across the country continued to strengthen civil-military relations in line with the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff.
According to him, troops carried out several community-based projects, including medical outreach programmes, provision of potable water, rehabilitation of educational facilities and peace-building initiatives in conflict-prone communities.
He said such interventions were designed to build trust between local communities and security forces while encouraging citizens to support ongoing military operations through timely intelligence sharing.
“The Defence Headquarters appreciates the media for its continued balanced and responsible reportage of military operations. We also commend other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their sustained collaboration with troops,” he said.
He reminded Nigerians that national security remains a shared responsibility and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information capable of assisting security agencies in combating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
Sustained offensive
The latest operational figures indicate that the Armed Forces have maintained sustained pressure on terrorist groups and criminal syndicates across the country.
The Defence Headquarters had earlier announced that troops recorded significant successes during the second quarter of the year, neutralising hundreds of terrorists, arresting over a thousand suspects and rescuing hundreds of kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation, underscoring the military’s ongoing strategy of sustained offensive operations against armed groups.
Security analysts, however, note that while the military has continued to record tactical successes, sustaining the gains will require improved intelligence gathering, closer collaboration with local communities and continued coordination among the country’s various security agencies to prevent terrorists and criminal gangs from regrouping.