The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the Nigerian Armed Forces recorded 367 attacks across various theatres of operation in September 2026, with troops responding to the incidents through coordinated military action.
According to figures released by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Operation Enduring Peace recorded the highest number of attacks during the month, with 147 incidents.
It was followed by Operation Fansan Yamma, which recorded 115 attacks, and Operation Whirl Stroke, with 55 incidents.
Other operations recorded fewer attacks. Operation Hadin Kai reported 33 incidents, while Operation Savannah Shield recorded 13 and Operation Udo Ka (OPUK) recorded four. Operation Delta Safe reported no attacks during the period.
Speaking on Wednesday while presenting the military’s operational achievements across the country’s various theatres, Onoja said troops responded to the attacks with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres.
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 4, 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 said the military also arrested 350 terrorists and criminals, rescued 655 kidnapped civilians and facilitated the surrender of 75 insurgents during the month.
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.
According to the defence spokesman, the September operational figures reflected the military’s stated commitment to improving security across the country.
“The operational record for the month of 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.
Onoja further said: “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 8 illegal refining sites; and recovered over 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products.”
Giving an overview of military operations for the third quarter of 2026, Onoja said troops neutralised 554 terrorists and criminals and arrested 1,333 others.
He said the military’s operations during the quarter covered a range of security challenges, including terrorism and banditry in northern Nigeria, as well as kidnapping, oil theft and secessionist-related activities in the southern parts of the country.
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.”
