Troops Kill 324 Terrorists, Rescue 610 Kidnap Victims In August -DHQ

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday said troops killed 324 terrorists, arrested 373 and rescued 610 kidnap victims across the country in the Month of August 2026.

The Director Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja who gave the figures while briefing Journalists on military operations within the month said 201 terrorists surrendered with 88 arms, 2077 rounds of ammunition recovered.

He said troops also destroyed 21 illegal refining sites and recovered 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products.

He said, “Over 324 terrorists and criminals were neutralized this month, with 373 terrorist/criminals arrested and 610 kidnap victims rescued. 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.”

Onoja said the August figures represented a significant improvement in the military’s operational effectiveness, attributing the gains to intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced inter-agency cooperation.

He further disclosed that the number of surrendered terrorists increased from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, which he said indicated growing pressure on terrorist groups.

Speaking on recent abduction of worshippers in Niger State, Onoja said the military formations had continued to collaborate with other security agencies and state government institutions through intelligence sharing and the identification of areas requiring security intervention.

He cited the rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on August 5 as evidence of the security forces’ capacity to locate and rescue victims.

“The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on the 5th of August, alongside subsequent operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement within the Borgu axis, demonstrates the commitment and capability of the security forces to locate, rescue, and safely return affected citizens,” he said.

According to him, troops are maintaining pressure on terrorists operating within and around the Kainji Lake National Park and other identified corridors to prevent further incursions and create conditions for displaced residents to return to their communities.

He assured residents of Borgu and neighbouring communities that military operations would continue until the security threats were sufficiently degraded.

“The Armed Forces, therefore, reassures the people of Borgu and their communities that military operations against terrorists and criminals will be sustained in the local government area and its environs to ensure the safety of the community,” Onoja said.

He urged families of abducted persons to remain calm and avoid actions that could undermine rescue operations, stressing that credible information was vital to the military’s efforts.

“To the families of the victims and all persons affected by the heinous activities of terrorists and criminals, the Armed Forces acknowledges the anxiety, pain, and uncertainty that accompanies the loss or affliction of family members and friends,” he said.

“We want to urge everybody to remain calm and have confidence in the ongoing efforts of the military and other security agencies, while avoiding actions that could compromise rescue or recovery operations.”

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, remained committed to rescuing kidnapped victims, protecting civilians and facilitating the return of internally displaced persons to their communities.

He added that the defence chief had directed that the military continue to operate with determination, professionalism and courage in the fight against terrorism and criminality.

He said the CDS commended troops for their sacrifices in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting critical national assets.