September: Military counters 367 attacks, kills 52 terrorists

File: Defence Headquarters

The Defence Headquarters has said it recorded 367 attacks across various theatres of operation in September 2026.

A breakdown showed that Operation Enduring Peace recorded the highest number of attacks with 147 incidents, followed by Operation Fansan Yamma with 115 and Operation Whirl Stroke with 55.

Operation Hadin Kai recorded 33 attacks, while Operation Savannah Shield recorded 13 and Operation Udo Ka recorded four. Operation Delta Safe recorded no attacks during the period.

While listing the military’s achievements across the theatres of operation, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Michael Onoja, said troops responded decisively to the incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre to counter the attacks.

He said, “During the period under review, the AFN recorded a total of 367 attacks across various theatres of operation. Operation Hadin Kai recorded 33 attacks, Operation Fansan Yamma recorded 115, Operation Savannah Shield recorded 13, Operation Enduring Peace recorded 147, Operation Whirl Stroke recorded 55, and Operation Udo Ka (OPUK) recorded four, while Operation Delta Safe recorded no attacks.

“Troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre, and successfully countering the attacks.”

Onoja also said troops arrested 350 terrorists and criminals, rescued 655 kidnapped civilians and facilitated the surrender of 75 insurgents.

He added that troops recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition, dismantled eight illegal refining sites and recovered more than 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products during the period.

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“The operational record for September is indicative of the AFN’s resolve across all operational theatres to ensure the creation of a safe and secure environment in the country,” he said.

He added, “The AFN neutralised 52 terrorists and criminals; arrested 350 terrorist/criminals; rescued 655 kidnapped civilians; 75 insurgents surrendered; recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition; dismantled eight illegal refining sites; and recovered over 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products.”

For the third quarter, Onoja said troops killed 554 terrorists and arrested 1,333 terrorists and criminals.

Onoja said, “The AFN demonstrated sustained capacity in confronting the full spectrum of security challenges facing the nation, from terrorism and banditry in the northern theatres to kidnapping, oil theft and secessionist agitation in the southern theatres.

“The scale of successes recorded for the Third Quarter 2026, ranging from the neutralisation of 554 terrorists and criminals; arrest of 1,333 terrorist/criminals; rescue of 1,736 kidnapped civilians; surrender of 333 insurgents; capture of 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition; dismantling of 104 illegal refining sites; and recovery of 1,610,402 litres of stolen petroleum products, represents a significant degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide.”