AFN Rescues 44 Terrorist Family Members, Over 60 Kidnap Victims In a Week

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued 44 family members of terrorists, including 13 women and 31 children, and more than 60 kidnapped victims in separate operations across the country between September 17 and 24, 2026.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the ongoing military operations, saying troops sustained operations against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats across the geopolitical zones.

In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued the 44 terrorist family members at Konduga in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on September 24.

According to Onoja, the victims escaped from terrorist camps amid clashes between rival terrorist factions before they were intercepted and rescued by the troops.

The troops also recorded more than 20 surrenders involving terrorist fighters and family members in Gwoza, Dikwa and Ngala LGAs of Borno State during the period.

The surrendered terrorists reportedly cited hardship and lack of basic necessities within terrorist enclaves on the Mandara Mountains as reasons for abandoning the groups.

Troops also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, including an informant at Gajiram, a logistics supplier conveying Starlink internet devices allegedly destined for Chad, and a suspected collaborator and spy at Geidam market in Yobe State.

In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, disrupted the movement of terrorists transporting kidnapped victims in Bazama, Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State.

The aerial intervention enabled more than 60 kidnapped victims to escape their captors, while ground troops subsequently rescued several other victims across Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The rescued victims included three along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina, three in Bakura LGA of Zamfara, 17 along the Isa-Kwanar axis in Sokoto and seven kidnapped university students along the Daye-Malumfashi Road in Katsina.

Five other victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State, were rescued at Sekpore Village in Kaura Namoda LGA on September 24.

The troops also arrested four suspected members of a terrorist group conveying rustled cattle near Illela in Sokoto State and three suspects in Faskari LGA of Katsina State who were allegedly transporting ₦2.7 million intended for a notorious terrorist kingpin.

In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued four kidnap victims along the Takum-Katsina-Ala Road in Benue State.

Troops also arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where they recovered a locally made revolver, military-style uniforms, a luxury vehicle and ₦406,200.

The military said analysis of the suspect's phone provided evidence of alleged involvement in illegal militia-related activities.

Further operations led to the arrest of suspected arms dealers and kidnappers, while two AK-47 rifles were recovered from a suspect in Lau LGA of Taraba State.

Under Operation Enduring Peace, troops arrested 11 suspects following raids around Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills in Plateau State. Four of the suspects were identified by victims as members of the syndicate responsible for their abduction.

In Bauchi State, troops working with Forest Guards neutralised three suspected kidnappers during an ambush at Kudu Yamma in Ningi LGA and rescued six kidnap victims.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered approximately 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Bethel Creeks in Rivers State.

The operation also led to the discovery of eight dugout pits, five of which contained suspected stolen crude oil, alongside hoses allegedly used for the illegal movement of the product.

The latest discovery followed the recovery of about 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at illegal refining sites around Aworkiri, Rivers State, on September 8.

In the South East, troops of Operation Udo Ka, in collaboration with local security groups, encountered suspected secessionist elements at Obibi Forest in Orsu LGA of Imo State.

The fleeing suspects abandoned a General Purpose Machine Gun, a rifle, ammunition, a motorcycle and other items. Troops also arrested a suspected informant and recovered documents allegedly linking him to the group.

During the operation, troops rescued a woman who had reportedly been abducted about two months earlier from her hairdressing salon in Ebematuo village, Orsu LGA.

General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, commended the troops for their courage and commitment to the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces.

He also acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies, local security groups and other stakeholders to the country's security architecture.

The CDS urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, while assuring that the military would sustain its operations until lasting peace and security are achieved across the country.