Nigerian troops eliminate 1,597 terrorists, free over 1,500 kidnap victims in six months

Military forces in Nigeria have achieved major successes in the first half of 2026. They killed 1,597 terrorists and insurgents while rescuing 1,516 kidnapped victims during 14,000 security operations.

These figures were revealed on Thursday at a security briefing at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja. The military spokesperson and representatives from 14 security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies shared their mid-year reports.

Samaila Uba, the spokesperson for Defence Headquarters, said troops conducted 14,221 coordinated operations across land, air, and sea from January to June. They focused on terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and other violent crimes.

During these operations, security forces seized 451 firearms, 16,726 rounds of ammunition, and 161 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Mr Uba, represented by Kabiru Ali, a group captain in the Nigerian Air Force, shared these details.

The defence spokesperson added that troops rescued 261 people from terrorist camps. They killed 412 fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). They also arrested 332 suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, motorcycles, and livestock from insurgents.

Additionally, 132 insurgents surrendered during this period due to ongoing military pressure. The operations took place in conflict-prone areas, including Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, and Oyo states.

Nigeria faces several security challenges. These include banditry, piracy, separatist attacks, communal clashes, resource-based conflicts, and the Boko Haram insurgency that has lasted over a decade. This situation has led to thousands of deaths and displacements.

The violence is spreading southwards. More than 30 students and their teachers were abducted recently in Oyo State. While the military continues to launch attacks on these violent groups throughout the country, these groups remain active in their operations.