Military Neutralises 22 Terrorists, Rescues 54 Abductees in One Week

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have neutralised at least 22 terrorists and rescued dozens of abducted citizens in sustained operations across the country between August 20 and 27, 2026.

The operations, which targeted terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking, illegal oil bunkering and other criminal activities, also led to the arrest of several suspected terrorists, logistics suppliers, gunrunners and collaborators, while large quantities of weapons and ammunition were recovered.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the ongoing military operations across the country.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued eight abductees, comprising three women and five children, around Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on August 22.

Three other minors who escaped from terrorist enclaves near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza were also rescued the same day.

Troops subsequently arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, spies and fighters in Biu, Guzamala and Damboa LGAs of Borno, as well as Michika LGA of Adamawa State.

During a clearance operation at Kopre Mountain in Hong LGA of Adamawa between August 26 and 27, troops neutralised 21 terrorists, destroyed their camp and recovered six AK-47 rifles, 23 magazines and 586 rounds of ammunition.

The troops also repelled a terrorist infiltration along the Gulumba Gana axis in Dikwa LGA of Borno on August 27, killing one terrorist, while two others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

The military also recorded multiple surrenders by terrorists and their family members in Bama LGA of Borno. The surrendering terrorists cited sustained military pressure and internal clashes among rival factions as reasons for their decision.

In Bauchi State, troops working with the Department of State Services arrested a suspected kidnapper at Madara Village in Katagum LGA, while two suspected logistics suppliers linked to a notorious terrorist leader were arrested in Bauchi LGA.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 31 abducted persons in separate operations across Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna states.

The rescued victims included six persons along the Dandume-Sheme Road in Katsina, six at Gadan Manya in Zamfara, three children in Kachia, Kaduna, 14 victims at Magazu village in Tsafe, Zamfara, and two female captives at Hayin Babangida in Igabi LGA, Kaduna.

The troops also disrupted arms trafficking networks, arresting three suspected gunrunners along the Kaura Namoda-Shinkafi Road and recovering an assault rifle concealed in a bag of millet allegedly destined for a terrorist kingpin.

A notorious terrorist kingpin, Mallam Sanusi Mai Glass, and his associate were also arrested in Dutsinma LGA of Katsina State.

Similarly, troops arrested two suspected terrorists in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State and recovered firearms, communication equipment, cash and incriminating materials from their mobile devices.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested suspected gunrunners and terrorists across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, while rescuing two kidnap victims in separate operations in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.

One terrorist was neutralised during an encounter at Ahungwa in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, while another escaped into a nearby forest.

The troops also arrested a suspected gunrunner in Jalingo LGA of Taraba State over alleged arms trafficking to rebel elements in Cameroon.

In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspect after responding to reports of gunshots around DTV in Bassa LGA. A locally made hunting gun was recovered, with investigations ongoing.

In Niger State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD repelled a terrorist attack at Dekara in Borgu LGA, forcing the attackers to flee into Kainji Lake National Park.

An AK-47 rifle, ammunition, six motorcycles, 49 mobile phones, nine phone batteries and 10 memory cards were subsequently recovered from the terrorists' withdrawal route.

Meanwhile, military operations in the South-South continued to focus heavily on illegal oil activities.

Under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, troops disrupted crude oil storage infrastructure containing about 93,000 litres of stolen crude oil around Allison Community in Bonny LGA of Rivers State.

Troops also intercepted two vehicles conveying about 8,500 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products along the Ejemekuru-Obudi-Agwa axis of Imo State and arrested three suspects.

At Ohaji in Egbema-Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER disrupted three illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 103,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.

Two tanker trucks preparing to siphon crude oil from an illegal collection point at Aleto, Eleme LGA, Rivers State, were also intercepted, with two suspects arrested.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA intercepted vehicles conveying suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Imo State and arrested three suspects.

Troops, working with the DSS and a local security group, also raided suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds at Obene and Abator villages in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State.

One terrorist was neutralised during the operation, while pump-action guns, motorcycles and materials suspected to be used for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices were recovered.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry, discipline and commitment to ongoing operations across the country.

He also welcomed the recent gesture by Air Peace, whose staff and passengers gave military personnel a spontaneous standing ovation while boarding a flight in Abuja.

The gesture followed a directive by the airline's Chairman, Mr Allen Onyema, that military and police personnel be accorded priority boarding and applauded in recognition of their service to the nation.

According to the CDS, the gesture demonstrated growing public goodwill towards Nigeria's security forces and underscored the sacrifices being made by military personnel and veterans.

Oluyede further commended the collaboration between the military and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, local security groups and other stakeholders.

He urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security agencies to strengthen the country's security architecture.

The Armed Forces, he said, remained committed to sustaining the current tempo of operations until peace and security are restored across the country.