Military records major gains against terrorism, banditry and oil theft as Defence Headquarters launches nationwide emergency reporting line to strengthen intelligence gathering.
By Baron Eloagu | July 1, 2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched a nationwide toll-free emergency line, 193, to strengthen intelligence gathering and encourage Nigerians to report security threats as the Armed Forces intensify operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft across the country.
The announcement came as the military high command disclosed that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised 662 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 1,084 suspects, rescued 951 kidnapped civilians, and dismantled dozens of criminal networks during operations conducted between April and June 2026.
The figures, released on Wednesday during the presentation of the military’s June operational report and second-quarter performance scorecard in Abuja, reflect the Federal Government’s sustained offensive against insurgent groups and organised criminal syndicates operating across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Addressing journalists, Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, urged citizens to actively support military operations by providing timely and credible intelligence through the newly introduced emergency line.
“The general public is encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193. You are assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” he said.
New Emergency Line Aims to Strengthen Intelligence Network
The introduction of the toll-free number forms part of broader efforts by the Armed Forces to improve civilian-military cooperation in combating insecurity.
Military authorities believe actionable intelligence from residents remains one of the most effective tools for disrupting terrorist cells, kidnapping gangs, oil thieves and criminal informants before attacks occur.
Security analysts have consistently argued that community-based intelligence is essential to modern counterinsurgency operations, particularly in remote rural communities where criminal groups often establish operational bases.
Military Records Significant Operational Gains
According to the Defence Headquarters, military operations conducted during the second quarter of 2026 produced substantial results across multiple theatres of operation.
The Armed Forces reported:
- 662 terrorists and criminal elements neutralised
- 1,084 suspected terrorists and criminals arrested
- 951 kidnapped civilians rescued
- 39 insurgents surrendered
- 328 firearms recovered
- 12,590 rounds of ammunition seized
- 12 illegal crude oil refining sites dismantled
- 464,268 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered
Military authorities described the achievements as evidence that ongoing operations continue to weaken the operational capacity of terrorist organisations and organised criminal networks nationwide.
June Operations Yield Fresh Successes
For the month of June alone, troops reportedly:
- Neutralised 129 terrorists and criminals
- Arrested 486 suspects
- Rescued 542 kidnapped victims
- Facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents
- Recovered 130 firearms
- Seized 5,538 rounds of ammunition
- Destroyed seven illegal refining sites
- Recovered over 308,515 litres of stolen petroleum products
According to Onoja, the figures demonstrate the professionalism and resilience of troops operating under increasingly challenging security conditions.
“The operational record for June and the second quarter stands as compelling testimony to the sustained professionalism, operational excellence and unwavering resolve of troops across all operational theatres,” he stated.
Landmark Rescue Operations in Borno
Among the most notable achievements highlighted by the military was what officials described as a “landmark multi-axis rescue operation” conducted on June 6 in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.
The operation reportedly led to the rescue of more than 360 civilians held in unlawful captivity by insurgents operating in the Gwoza axis.
Military authorities also cited the destruction of insurgent logistics bases, recovery of large caches of weapons and the disruption of terrorist supply chains as major operational milestones recorded during the reporting period.
High-Profile Arrests Across Multiple States
The Defence Headquarters also announced several high-profile arrests linked to terrorism and organised criminal activities.
Among them was the arrest of a suspected terrorist informant who had been on the military’s watch list at Kara Market in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Troops also apprehended three additional suspected terrorists and collaborators in the Wawa-Doro axis of Borgu, recovering a mobile phone allegedly containing extremist propaganda materials and photographs linked to violent crimes.
In another operation, soldiers arrested Mrs. Hafsatu Alh Bello, identified by the military as the wife of alleged terrorist kingpin Auta Ilori, near Ndeji in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to the DHQ, preliminary interrogation yielded intelligence considered valuable to ongoing investigations into the activities of the suspected criminal network.
The military further announced the arrest of suspects allegedly connected to a foiled school kidnapping attempt in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, as well as four suspected terrorists apprehended at a Correctional Farm Centre in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area of **Oyo State>.
The Defence Headquarters said investigations into the suspects are continuing.
Terrorist Attacks Repelled
Military authorities disclosed that troops successfully repelled several planned terrorist attacks during June.
On June 18, soldiers reportedly foiled a coordinated assault on communities in Buratai District of Biu Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle and over 200 rounds of ammunition.
A separate operation on June 27 prevented another planned attack on Rigange community in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where troops reportedly neutralised one suspected terrorist and recovered three AK-47 rifles.
Another confrontation on June 28 in Magumeri Local Government Area resulted in the deaths of five suspected kidnappers after they allegedly attempted to disarm military personnel during an operation.
Oil Theft Crackdown Intensifies
Beyond counterterrorism operations, the Armed Forces intensified efforts against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Military authorities dismantled twelve illegal crude oil refining sites and recovered more than 464,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, dealing another financial setback to organised oil theft syndicates.
Officials maintain that attacks on illegal refining operations remain essential to protecting Nigeria’s economy and reducing environmental degradation caused by illicit refining activities.
Insurgents Continue to Surrender
The Defence Headquarters also reported that additional insurgents voluntarily surrendered during the reporting period.
Those who surrendered reportedly included teenage girls, women with children and other individuals fleeing insurgent-controlled territories in parts of Borno State.
Military officials said surrender programmes remain an important component of broader counterinsurgency efforts aimed at weakening extremist organisations while facilitating rehabilitation where appropriate under existing government policies.
Military Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights
While highlighting operational achievements, the Defence Headquarters emphasised that all military operations were conducted in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, constitutional rules of engagement and Nigeria’s legal obligations.
According to the military, protecting civilian lives and preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity remain central objectives of ongoing operations.
Leave a Reply