201 insurgents surrender as North-Central operation rescues 308 women, children
The Defence Headquarters has announced the elimination of 324 terrorists and other criminals and the rescue of 610 kidnapped victims across the country in August.
The military also arrested 373 suspects, recovered 88 firearms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition, while 201 insurgents surrendered to the authorities during the month.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the figures on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military operations across the country.
Onoja said the Armed Forces recorded what he described as a marked improvement in operational effectiveness during August, following sustained land, air and maritime operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
He said the operations were designed to weaken the capacity of criminal elements, rescue abducted citizens, disrupt arms trafficking and logistics networks, counter armed groups and protect critical national infrastructure.
According to him, troops operating under various theatres recorded significant successes across the six geopolitical zones.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI operating in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states killed 114 terrorists, arrested 146 suspects and rescued 60 kidnapped victims.
Onoja said the troops on August 1 rescued two women and two children near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims, he said, had reportedly been held since the 2023 farming season.
He also disclosed that troops rescued Blessing Tuggur, who was abducted in November 2025 in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The operation resulted in the killing of 190 terrorists, arrest of 47 suspects and rescue of 126 kidnapped victims.
The North-Central recorded one of the biggest rescue operations during the month, with Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescuing 329 kidnap victims.
Onoja said 308 women and children were rescued during a joint operation at the Kainji Lake National Park in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on August 5.
He said the military remained concerned about the safety and welfare of residents displaced or abducted from communities in Borgu.
“The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons demonstrates the commitment and capability of the security forces to locate, rescue and safely return affected citizens,” Onoja quoted the military as saying.
Other operations also recorded successes across the region.
Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE rescued 15 and 38 victims respectively in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 38 civilians, while Operation UDO KA rescued four victims in the South-East.
The military’s air component also carried out several strikes and reconnaissance missions against terrorist formations and logistics networks.
Onoja said an air operation on August 6 targeted terrorists assembling with about 15 motorcycles in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, resulting in the neutralisation of scores of the fighters.
He added that an armed reconnaissance operation on August 9 disrupted the activities of more than 300 motorcycles around Sangeko and Baba-Doka areas.
The DHQ also reported a significant rise in the number of insurgents surrendering to the military.
Onoja said the number increased from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August.
He described the development as an indication of increasing pressure on terrorist groups and a possible willingness by some of their members to abandon terrorism.
“The operational record for the month of August stands as compelling testimony to the sustained resolve of the AFN to ensure a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace to thrive in our country,” he said.
The defence spokesman said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, discipline and resilience across the various theatres of operation.
Oluyede also acknowledged a recent gesture by Air Peace staff and passengers who reportedly gave military personnel a spontaneous standing ovation while boarding a flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to Onoja, the CDS expressed appreciation for the gesture and urged more Nigerians and corporate organisations to recognise and support military personnel involved in protecting the country.
The DHQ, however, called on Nigerians to provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious activities.
Onoja urged members of the public to report such information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free number 193.
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