Troops Neutralize 102 Terrorists, Rescue 393 Kidnap Victims in July – DHQ

DHQ

Troops Neutralize 102 Terrorists, Rescue 393 Kidnap Victims in July – DHQ

Military operations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones record major successes against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and kidnappers.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria killed 102 terrorists and criminals, arrested 345 suspects, and rescued 393 kidnapped victims during joint military operations conducted nationwide throughout July 2026.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed these figures on Friday in Abuja during the monthly briefing on ongoing military operations. He stated that the operations, executed in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, also resulted in the surrender of 57 insurgents and their family members, while troops recovered 59 weapons and 1,811 rounds of ammunition.

General Onoja emphasized that sustained offensives across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East significantly degraded the operational capabilities of terrorists, kidnappers, armed militias, secessionist groups, and other criminals threatening national security. He noted that the collaborative efforts of the armed forces, other security agencies, and local vigilantes have continued to yield tangible results in protecting lives and property across the country.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, including the neutralisation of a senior terrorist commander and propaganda chief, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, during a counterattack in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on July 12. Al-Barnawi, who previously led cross-border raids into Cameroon, died alongside members of his mobile media team during a failed attack on a military base in Cross Kauwa. Overall, troops in the theatre neutralized 54 fighters, arrested 102 terrorists, and rescued 102 kidnapped victims. They also dismantled terrorist logistics networks, arrested suspected collaborators, and recorded fresh surrenders among insurgents under sustained military pressure.

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In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma focused on rescuing kidnap victims and neutralizing bandit enclaves across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. Troops rescued 191 kidnapped victims, neutralized 33 terrorists, and arrested 66 suspects. They also foiled several kidnapping attempts, recovered arms and improvised explosive device components, and secured dozens of abductees from terrorist camps and attack scenes.

Across the North-Central region, troops under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke sustained pressure on kidnappers, arms traffickers, and militia groups. These operations resulted in the neutralization of 15 terrorists, the arrest of 148 suspects, and the rescue of 53 kidnapped victims, with weapons and ammunition recovered from criminal elements.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe focused on dismantling illegal refining operations and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta. Troops dismantled 18 illegal refining sites, recovered more than 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum products, and arrested suspected kidnappers and economic saboteurs, with illegal refining activities disrupted in Rivers State.

In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka sustained operations against criminals and secessionist agitators, leading to the arrest of 26 suspects, the rescue of 10 civilians, and the recovery of assorted weapons and ammunition.

The Air Component of the armed forces provided critical support to ground operations through precision air interdictions. Successful airstrikes against terrorist targets in Niger State disrupted planned attacks and facilitated rescue operations. Additionally, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network in Borno, arresting six suspects and recovering materials with potential dual-use applications, including NPK fertilizer and suspected acid. In a separate operation in Yobe State, troops foiled a Boko Haram extortion mission, neutralizing a terrorist driver.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the synergy among the armed forces, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups, particularly in the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. President Bola Tinubu expressed profound relief over the rescue, noting that the victims had spent 56 days in captivity. He commended the intelligence-driven operation that secured their release without collateral damage and led to the arrest of eight abductors. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also celebrated the rescue, calling for continued efforts to free all remaining captives across the country.

General Onoja noted that troops also expanded civil-military cooperation initiatives through peace-building engagements, public health interventions, and community development projects across various operational theatres. He said the Chief of Defence Staff praised the troops for their professionalism and the successes recorded during the month, reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to security agencies through the toll-free emergency line 193, with Onoja encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities promptly, emphasizing that public cooperation is vital to collective security.