The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralized 216 terrorists and rescued 288 kidnapped civilians during a month of intensive operations in April 2026, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Thursday.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the figures during a press briefing where he outlined the military’s “consolidated operational outcomes” across seven theaters of operation.
Strategic Gains and Rescues
In addition to the neutralizations, troops arrested 284 high-value targets, including terrorist ringleaders, logisticians, and collaborators. General Onoja noted that the 288 rescued victims—including women, children, the elderly, and farmers—have since been reunited with their families.
Presenting a four-month performance review (January–April), the military reported:
- Rising Neutralizations: A slight increase in terrorists killed in action.
- Increased Rescues: A steady rise in the number of civilians successfully freed.
- Decreased Surrenders: A drop in the number of insurgents surrendering in April compared to previous months.
- Economic Security: A significant reduction in illegal refining sites and criminal enclaves.
Focus on Food Security and Civil Relations
General Onoja emphasized that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has directed all theater commanders to integrate civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) into their core strategies.
”The Armed Forces recognizes that lasting peace cannot be achieved through kinetic operations alone,” Onoja stated.
To support local food production and social stability, the military conducted several non-kinetic initiatives:
- Agricultural Support: “Operation Enduring Peace” distributed fertilizers to religious and traditional leaders in Plateau State and launched a specialized operation in Southern Kaduna to secure the current farming season.
- Conflict Resolution: Peace and security meetings were held in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states to mitigate communal and ethnic tensions.
- Community Trust: A 17-kilometer unity marathon was organized in Mangu to strengthen the bond between the military and local residents.
Tribute to Fallen Heroes
The briefing included a solemn tribute to personnel killed in the line of duty. General Onoja specifically honored Brigadier General Hosseini Braymo, a Brigade Commander who was killed alongside two officers and two soldiers on April 9 during an engagement in Borno State. The military also recognized the sacrifice of Colonel I. A. Mohamed and his troops in Monguno.
”Their memory shall fortify the resolve of every soldier, sailor, and airman who carries the nation’s flag forward,” Onoja said.
Legal and Professional Standards
The DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to the Rome Statute and international humanitarian law, asserting that all operations are conducted under strict rules of engagement. General Onoja concluded by assuring the public that the military remains fully accountable to the Nigerian people while facilitating the resettlement of displaced communities.
