Nigerian Military Neutralizes 102 Terrorists and Rescues Nearly 400 Victims

The Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralized 102 terrorists, arrested 345 suspects, and rescued between 393 and 397 kidnap victims during nationwide operations in July 2026. Major-General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, detailed these achievements during a briefing in Abuja, noting that 57 insurgents and their family members surrendered during the period.

High-profile successes included the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, the propaganda chief and a senior commander for Boko Haram, in Borno State. The military also conducted precision air strikes in Niger State to disrupt planned attacks. These efforts were part of broader regional initiatives, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West, and Operation Delta Safe in the South-South.

In the South-South region, troops targeted oil theft by dismantling 18 illegal refining sites and recovering more than 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum. Other tactical successes included the rescue of three civilians in Bomanda village, Taraba State.