By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Beyond the battlefield successes recorded in August 2026, the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified efforts to dismantle the financial, logistical and operational networks sustaining terrorism, kidnapping and economic sabotage across the country.
The military disclosed that troops arrested numerous logistics suppliers, gunrunners, informants, couriers and collaborators linked to terrorist and criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.
Speaking during the monthly briefing on military operations in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops recovered 88 assorted weapons and 2,077 rounds of ammunition while disrupting the movement of explosives, firearms, motorcycles and other supplies intended for terrorist groups.
According to him, sustained intelligence-led operations enabled troops to identify and dismantle several logistics corridors used by criminal networks to transport weapons, funds and operational materials across the country.
In the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
The military disclosed that troops recovered approximately 686,800 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantled 21 illegal refining sites during the month.
Several storage facilities, reservoirs, boats and concealed locations used for storing stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were also uncovered and destroyed.
The Defence Headquarters said the operations are aimed at protecting critical national assets, safeguarding petroleum infrastructure and preventing revenue losses arising from economic sabotage.
The military also highlighted its non-kinetic engagements aimed at strengthening peace and stability in communities affected by conflict.
In Benue State, troops facilitated peace meetings among different ethnic groups, while educational materials were donated to schools in Monguno, Borno State. Military personnel also supported humanitarian organisations by securing relief corridors and enhancing access to vulnerable communities.
In Lagos, the Nigerian Navy commissioned a solar-powered water project as part of its civil-military cooperation initiatives.
The Defence Headquarters noted that while military offensives remain critical, lasting peace can only be achieved through a combination of security operations, community engagement, humanitarian support and collaboration with local stakeholders.
The military maintained that ongoing operations will continue to target not only terrorists and kidnappers but also the networks that finance, arm and sustain them.
