Abiola Sopeju
The Nigerian military has said it has recorded major operational gains in the first quarter of 2026, intensifying pressure on terrorists and criminal networks nationwide.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Micheal Onoja, who disclosed this in Abuja, said troops arrested 1,359 suspects, rescued 813 civilians, and secured the surrender of 197 insurgents within the period.
Troops also recovered 485 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and seized over 547,920 litres of petroleum products.
The Director Defence Media Operations added that total insurgents who have surrendered now stand at 122,848.
According to Onoja, the successes cut across all operational theatres, with key terrorists elements neutralised, victims rescued, and criminal networks disrupted.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain the offensive, while commending personnel and honouring fallen troops.
Speaking on north-east Nigeria, he revealed troops under Operation HADIN KAI carried out sustained offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS fighters.
Among those killed, according to the DDMO, was ISWAP commander Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, whose killing was described by the group as a major loss.
The south-south region, also witnessed troops efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
He disclosed “troops arrested 219 suspects linked to oil theft and related crimes, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products including crude oil, AGO, DPK, and PMS.”
