Odita Sunday 
Military kills 1,597 terrorists, rescues 1,516 hostages as security agencies post major gains
By Odita Sunday
Nigeria’s security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies on Thursday highlighted major operational successes recorded in the first half of 2026, including the neutralisation of 1,597 terrorists by the Armed Forces, the rescue of 1,516 kidnapped victims and the conviction of hundreds of terrorism and corruption suspects.
The figures were presented during a joint security briefing at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, by spokespersons of defence, security, intelligence and emergency response agencies.
According to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, troops carried out 14,221 operations across the country between January and June, leading to the killing of 1,597 terrorists and insurgents, the rescue of 1,516 hostages and the recovery of 451 firearms, 16,726 rounds of ammunition and 161 improvised explosive devices.
The military said operations also led to the elimination of 412 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, the arrest of 332 terrorists and the surrender of 132 insurgents following sustained military pressure.
The Nigeria Police Force said it recorded significant breakthroughs against terrorism, kidnapping and organised crime through intelligence-led policing.
It said operatives dismantled criminal syndicates, rescued kidnapped victims, recovered weapons and arrested suspects linked to terrorism, armed robbery and illegal arms trafficking across several states.
The Department of State Services (DSS) disclosed that its operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, resulted in the rescue of more than 200 kidnapped victims, the recovery of thousands of rounds of ammunition and convictions in several terrorism-related cases.
The Federal Government also announced that its terrorism mass trial programme has secured 1,721 convictions since 2017, with 865 of the convictions recorded in 2026 alone.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it arrested 9,769 suspects, dismantled 144 criminal gangs, seized more than 517 tonnes of illicit drugs and secured 1,778 convictions between January and May.
The agency said it also dismantled what it described as Nigeria’s largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State and intercepted drugs valued at about ₦480 billion.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it arrested 220 suspects, uncovered an illegal arms factory in Yobe State and sealed two steel companies over alleged involvement in infrastructure vandalism.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that it secured 915 convictions for financial crimes between January and April, including convictions involving former public office holders.
Other agencies also presented operational reports.
The Nigeria Customs Service generated ₦3.35 trillion in revenue, processed over 698,000 import declarations and intensified anti-smuggling operations, while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported a 25.65 per cent reduction in road crashes and recovered 12 stolen vehicles.
The Nigerian Correctional Service recorded no prison break during the six-month period, while the Nigeria Immigration Service said it repatriated 567 foreign nationals, rescued 563 trafficking victims and strengthened border surveillance.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said it rescued over 1,300 trafficking victims and secured 83 convictions, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disclosed that it provided humanitarian assistance to more than 373,000 Nigerians affected by disasters.
The security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining joint operations, strengthening intelligence sharing and enhancing collaboration with citizens to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
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