Troops arrest 1,359 suspects, rescue 813 victims, dismantle 101 illegal refineries — DHQ

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational gains in the first quarter of 2026, arresting 1,359 suspects, rescuing 813 kidnapped victims, and facilitating the surrender of 197 insurgents across the country.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed the figures on Tuesday, noting that troops also recovered 458 firearms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and seized over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, who briefed journalists in Abuja, said the achievements were recorded across multiple theatres of operation in the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East.

“Across seven operational theatres, the AFN delivered measurable strategic outcomes, including the elimination of several terrorist and criminal leaders, arrest of 1,359 suspects, rescue of 813 kidnapped civilians, and surrender of 197 insurgents,” he said.

Onoja described the operations as resulting in a “significant degradation” of terrorist and criminal networks nationwide, adding that anti-crude oil theft efforts in the Niger Delta led to the dismantling of 101 illegal refineries and recovery of large volumes of stolen petroleum products.

He also revealed that the Islamic State West Africa Province confirmed the death of one of its senior leaders, Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as evidence of the impact of sustained military offensives on insurgent command structures.

Providing a breakdown of operations, Onoja said troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North East arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 victims, and recorded 90 insurgent surrenders, while intensifying air and ground assaults on terrorist enclaves.

In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops rescued 386 kidnapped victims and arrested 114 suspects, targeting bandit networks across the region.

Operations in the North Central, particularly under Operation Whirl Stroke, led to the arrest of 139 suspects and rescue of 73 victims, alongside the recovery of arms and interception of illegal activities, including mining and explosives movement.

He highlighted specific operations in March, including the arrest of suspected terrorists in Kogi State and the recovery of weapons, SIM cards, and ATM cards in parts of Benue State.

In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe recorded the arrest of 219 suspects and the destruction of illegal refining infrastructure, significantly disrupting crude oil theft.

Meanwhile, in the South East, Operation Udoka targeted criminal elements linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), leading to the arrest of 91 suspects and rescue of 14 victims, alongside the recovery of weapons and improvised explosive device materials.

The DHQ reiterated the military’s commitment to operating within the bounds of international humanitarian law and rules of engagement.

Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their dedication and sacrifice, while also appreciating the support of other security agencies, the media, and the public.

He assured that ongoing operations would be intensified to eliminate remaining threats, while paying tribute to fallen personnel and acknowledging the Federal Government’s directive to establish a special fund for veterans and military personnel affected by war.

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