Nigerian Military Kills 6,260 Terrorists, Rescues 5,365 Civilians In Two Years, Says DHQ.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant strides in the fight against terrorism, revealing that 6,260 terrorists have been neutralised and 5,365 civilians rescued across the country in the past two years. The announcement, made during a briefing in Abuja, underscores the military’s ongoing efforts to restore security and stability nationwide.
Brigadier General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, shared the figures on Thursday during an expanded parley with media executives at the DHQ. He highlighted that joint military operations have also led to the arrest of 14,138 terrorists and criminals, alongside the recovery of stolen crude oil and petroleum products valued at over N83 billion in the Niger Delta region.
In a regional breakdown, Abu-Mawashi noted that troops in the Niger Delta neutralised 103 criminals, arrested 2,760 suspects, and rescued 266 kidnapped civilians. In the North West, operations against banditry resulted in the arrest of 2,160 bandits and the rescue of 3,288 hostages from bandit enclaves.
The DHQ’s report comes amid heightened efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, and oil theft, which have plagued various parts of Nigeria. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the military has neutralised over 5,000 insurgents and bandits, recovered more than 350 communities, and rescued 1,200 kidnapped civilians, according to earlier statements from the DHQ.
The military’s achievements have been met with cautious optimism by analysts, who acknowledge the progress but stress the need for sustained efforts to address root causes of insecurity. Social media platforms, including X, have seen widespread discussion of the DHQ’s announcement, with many Nigerians praising the troops’ bravery while calling for continued support to end terrorism.
The DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to President Tinubu’s directives to eradicate insecurity, urging citizens to provide actionable intelligence to support ongoing operations. As Nigeria grapples with complex security challenges, the military’s recent successes offer hope for a safer future.
