Nigerian soldiers killed 102 suspected terrorists, other criminals in July, rescued 393 hostages – Official

Nigerian military forces killed 102 suspected terrorists and criminals during operations in July, while rescuing 393 hostages, according to official figures released by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ). The data was presented in an infographic detailing the outcomes of military actions carried out across the country throughout the month. The DHQ confirmed that troops also arrested 486 individuals and destroyed 18 illegal refining sites as part of efforts to combat oil theft and economic sabotage, primarily in the Niger Delta region. The DHQ's monthly operational infographics have been a regular feature since early this year, providing a consistent overview of military activities. These reports cover the months of January through July, with no update issued for April. The latest infographic noted that 57 insurgents surrendered to security forces during the period. Additionally, troops recovered over 250,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and seized 1,870 weapons, ammunition, and other military supplies from terrorist and criminal groups. While the DHQ provided detailed statistics on casualties, arrests, and seizures, it did not break down the locations of these operations or specify which regions contributed to the figures. The categories of suspects included in the tally were described broadly as terrorists, criminals, illegal miners, and informants. The military maintains that these offensives aim to weaken the operational capacity of terrorist organizations, armed bandits, oil thieves, and other criminal networks. Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including the Boko Haram insurgency and affiliated groups such as ISWAP in the Northeast, armed banditry in the Northwest, kidnapping for ransom in various states, separatist movements in parts of the Southeast, and oil theft in the Niger Delta. Recent months have seen increased coordination between land and air units, with frequent reports of arrests, killings, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries. However, verifying these claims independently remains challenging due to the remote and often inaccessible nature of many operation zones. Looking back at previous months, the military's operations have shown a pattern of escalating intensity. In January, troops arrested 451 suspects, rescued 277 hostages, destroyed 53 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 282,000 litres of crude oil and refined petroleum products. They also claimed the death of 10 terrorist commanders and lieutenants. In February, 46 insurgents surrendered, 354 suspects were arrested, and 409 hostages were freed, along with the destruction of 32 illegal refineries and the seizure of over 175,000 litres of fuel and ₦2.44 million in cash. March saw even greater activity, with 197 insurgents surrendering, 1,359 suspects arrested, and 103 killed. Hostages rescued numbered 813, and 104 illegal refining sites were dismantled. Over 254 firearms and more than 216,000 litres of illicit fuel were recovered. In May, 317 suspects were killed, 314 arrested, and 221 hostages rescued, with 93 firearms and over 21,900 litres of fuel seized. June brought 129 suspects killed, 486 arrested, and 542 hostages freed, with 11 insurgents surrendering. Troops also continued their efforts to disrupt illegal refining operations.