The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that no fewer than 6,260 terrorists have been eliminated across various theatres of operation nationwide over the past two years, as part of joint military efforts to restore peace and stability.
Brigadier General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, made this known during a strategic media engagement held Thursday at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The session provided a detailed breakdown of operational achievements recorded by Nigerian troops between 2022 and 2024.
According to Abu-Mawashi, the armed forces also apprehended 14,138 terrorists and other criminal elements, while successfully rescuing 5,365 civilians from captivity.
In addition, troops recovered petroleum products and materials worth over ₦83 billion—primarily from the Niger Delta region, where oil theft remains rampant.
“In the Niger Delta, troops not only recovered stolen crude worth ₦83 billion but also neutralized 103 criminals, arrested 2,760 suspects, and freed 266 abducted individuals,” Abu-Mawashi said.
The Northeast region, a hotbed of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgency, saw intense operations resulting in the killing of 1,246 insurgents and the arrest of 2,467 others. Troops also rescued 1,920 civilians, and seized 982 weapons along with 2,153 rounds of ammunition.
In the Northwest, where banditry continues to pose a major security threat, 1,374 bandits, including top commanders, were killed.
Additionally, 2,160 suspects were arrested and 3,288 hostages freed. Troops recovered 947 weapons and a staggering 25,802 rounds of ammunition.
Troops operating in the North Central zone reportedly neutralized 730 terrorists and violent extremists, arrested 7,153 suspects, and rescued 1,510 civilians. Seized weaponry included 1,065 arms and 19,709 rounds of ammunition.
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In the Southeast, the Joint Task Force eliminated 440 terrorists, apprehended 1,677 criminals, rescued 294 civilians, and recovered 683 weapons and 21,300 rounds of ammunition.
Operations in the Southwest led to the killing of 80 criminals, arrest of 1,763 suspects, and the rescue of 89 kidnap victims.
Troops recovered 143 weapons and an impressive 177,904 rounds of ammunition in the region.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, described the briefing as a milestone in promoting transparency and public engagement.
“This programme reflects our commitment to building a people-centric armed forces, a vision driven by the Chief of Defence Staff,” Gusau said.
He reaffirmed the military’s dedication to keeping the public well-informed about its activities and ensuring that the sacrifices of Nigeria’s troops are both recognized and appreciated.