The Armed Forces of Nigeria has recorded
one of its most comprehensive first-quarter operational outputs in recent
memory, arresting 1,359 suspects, rescuing 813 kidnapped civilians, and
recovering more than 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products across seven
operational theatres between January and March 2026.
These figures were presented by Major
General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, at a combined
First Quarter and Monthly Media Briefing held at Defence Headquarters, Abuja,
on 31 March 2026. Major General Onoja described the outcomes as a demonstration
of the unwavering resolve, professionalism, and gallantry of the men and women
of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Across seven theatres, the AFN delivered measurable strategic
outcomes — scores of terrorist leaders eliminated, over 800 civilians rescued,
and criminal capacity nationwide significantly degraded.”
In addition to the arrests and rescues, the
quarter's operational record includes the neutralisation of scores of
terrorists and criminal leaders across all regions; the surrender of 197
insurgents; the recovery of 458 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition; the
dismantling of 101 illegal refining sites; and the safe recovery of over
547,920 litres of crude oil and refined petroleum products that had been
criminally diverted from the national economy.
The seven theatres contributing to these
outcomes span the entire national security landscape: Operation HADIN KAI in
the North East, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, Operation SAVANNAH
SHIELD and Operation ENDURING PEACE in the North Central, Operation WHIRL
STROKE across the Middle Belt, Operation DELTA SAFE in the South South, and
Operation UDO KA in the South East.
Major General Onoja acknowledged the
invaluable support of sister security agencies, the media, and the Nigerian
public, noting that cooperation and timely intelligence from communities remain
critical to operational success. He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and
continue to report suspicious activities to security agencies, reassuring that
the AFN will hold non-state actors accountable.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi
Olatunbosun Oluyede, through the statement, extended profound appreciation to
all AFN personnel for their sacrifice and dedication, and paid solemn tribute
to those who paid the supreme price in service to the nation, reassuring their
families that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.