*Even as 70 insurgents surrender
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Friday said that its troops killed 217 terrorists while another 333 were arrested during the month of October.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, told journalists while giving update on efforts the military to contain insurgency that 349 kidnapped victims were also rescued during the month which also recorded the surrender of 70 terrorists while 756, 837 litres of stolen crude oil products were recovered in the Niger Delta region.
According to General Onoja: “Throughout the month, over 217 terrorists and criminals were neutralized, with 333 terrorist/criminals arrested and 349 kidnap victims rescued.
Additionally, 70 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 105 arms and 3174 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
“Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft have continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs, yielding the recovery of 756,837 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 49 illegal refining sites.“
The DDMO however disclosed that some military formations came under attack from the terrorists, stating: “During the period under review, the AFN recorded a total of 98 attacks across various theatres of operation.
Operation HADIN KAI recorded 27 attacks, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded 24, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded 29, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded 12, Operation UDO KA (OPUK) recorded 4, while Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded 1 attack each.
“Troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical maneuver, and successfully repelled the attacks.
“Among the defining operations of the month were the neutralisation of a senior ISWAP leader in Owo Forest, Ondo State, on 2 October 2026.
This was in addition to troops fending off a determined ISWAP assault on Kukawa town between 6 and 7 October 2026.
“Others notable operations include the successful rescue and safe return of 20 abducted prospective corps members in Imo State and the successful repelling of a large Lakurawa attack in Maiyama LGA of Kebbi State both on 7 October 2026.
“In addition, troops rescued 29 farmers in Mariga on 15 October 2026 and 27 villagers at Gamji on 16 October 2026,” he added.
Reviewing the activities of the soldiers, Onoja said: “The AFN operations conducted in October 2026 indicate that the adversary is under pressure from multiple fronts.
In the North East geopolitical zone, mounting surrenders, disrupted supply routes and decisive counter-attacks have steadily eroded terrorist cohesion.
“In the North West and North Central geopolitical zones, rescue of civilians, raids on terrorist and the arrest of kingpins, gunrunners and collaborators have significantly restricted the terrorist and criminals from perpetrating heinous crimes against innocent civilians.
“In the South-South and South East geopolitical zones, troops have curbed oil theft as well as disrupted kidnapping and secessionist networks.
Meanwhile, the Air Component has provided precise and timely support throughout while the Navy has focused on disrupting illegal refining activities and supporting other security operations.”
The month, he went on, was not without some sad events, recalling the massacre in Taraba.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Onoja further said, “on behalf of the AFN, extends heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Taraba especially the families of the civilians who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in Binari, Karim Lamido LGA on 23 October 2026.
“The CDS prays for the souls of the departed and assures the nation that no effort will be spared to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The CDS further affirms that the loss of all innocent lives will only strengthen the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect lives and property.
“The Chief of Defence Staff commends the resilience of troops across all theatres of operation during the month, and urges them to remain disciplined, to always uphold the rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
He urged them to guard against complacency, particularly with the approach of the festive season.
The CDS appreciates other security agencies for their collaboration and calls on them to deepen intelligence sharing and joint planning,” he added.
On the AFN’s commitment to civil-military cooperation, community resilience and the welfare of host communities, General Onoja said many non kinetic operations/activities were carried out in October.
