The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that the military recorded some of the most decisive battlefield outcomes over the last three months, particularly in April, with numerous insurgents neutralized, multiple enclaves destroyed, and a substantial number of abducted citizens reunited with their families across the seven operational theatres nationwide.
April Achievements
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the troops' achievements for April 2026 alone, stating that 201 terrorists were neutralized, 284 were arrested—including key ring leaders, logisticians, and collaborators who had previously operated with impunity—while 188 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Regional Breakdown
Providing a breakdown, Onoja said 136 fighters were killed in the North East, 114 arrested, and 18 rescued, while nine insurgents and their families surrendered. In the North West, 20 terrorists were neutralized, 32 arrested, 70 rescued, and one surrendered. Across the three theatres of operations in the North Central, a total of 53 terrorists were killed, 105 arrested, and 98 kidnapped victims rescued in April.
In the South East, three IPOB/ESN fighters were killed during the period, 16 arrested, and troops rescued two kidnapped victims. In the South South, 17 economic saboteurs and criminal elements were arrested.
Civil-Military Cooperation
Onoja disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has directed all Theatre Commanders to fully integrate Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities into operational activities, ensuring professionalism and facilitating the resettlement of displaced communities in order to reinforce public confidence in military operations. He emphasized that the armed forces recognize that lasting peace cannot be achieved through kinetic operations alone and have therefore sustained robust CIMIC activities across all theatres.
“During the period, peace and security meetings were conducted in Logo, Guma, and Agatu LGAs of Benue State to promote peaceful coexistence and address recurring communal and ethnic tensions. Similar engagements were held in Takum and Donga LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Toto LGA of Nasarawa State,” Onoja stated.
He added that Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) carried out civil-military relations initiatives in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, including the distribution of fertilizer to representatives of traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Jama’tul Islam, as well as the organization of a 17-kilometre marathon to foster unity and strengthen community trust, with prizes awarded to top participants.
Furthermore, Operation Enduring Peace launched a concerted operation in Southern Kaduna to secure the farming season through enhanced security, farmer support, and community collaboration to prevent conflict and ensure food production. “The weight of operational outcomes recorded by OPEP troops reflects a sustained dedicated campaign to ensure food security,” Onoja said.
Accountability and International Law
Onoja stated that the achievements recorded in April “are not abstract achievements; behind every rescued victim is a family made whole, and behind every destroyed enclave is a community reclaimed. The Armed Forces of Nigeria holds itself fully accountable for every operation conducted, ensuring strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement, the Laws of Armed Conflict, the Rome Statutes, and all applicable provisions of International Humanitarian Law.”
