Nigeria's Military Kills 58 Terrorists, Arrests 92 Criminals in One Week

Nigerian troops killed more than 58 terrorist fighters and arrested 92 criminals in a single week of operations across the country, the Defence Headquarters said in its weekly briefing. The Armed Forces of Nigeria also freed 44 kidnap victims during the stretch from 30 October to 5 November 2026, according to Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations.

In Kogi State, soldiers overran kidnappers' hideouts in the Edimogbo and Obele forests, seizing weapons and other items from the criminals' camps. Sustained operations in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States, plus Abia and Anambra States, led to the rescue of several kidnapped victims — including a baby. In the North-East, Onoja pointed to the continuing surrender of terrorists and their families as proof that military pressure is biting.

Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede praised the troops' courage, resilience and sacrifice, and warned that the adversary stays dangerous even when wounded or under pressure. He called on Nigerians to choke off criminals' access to logistics and other support, and to reject mob action, misinformation and disinformation.

Oluyede honoured an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who died supporting the troops, telling their families their sacrifices would remain indelible in the nation's memory, and wished wounded personnel a full recovery. He credited other security agencies for their contributions and stressed the need for sustained collaboration, intelligence-sharing and coordinated planning. The military, Onoja said, will keep up its operational momentum until lasting peace, security and stability are restored nationwide.