Military Operations: Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Rescue 36 Kidnap Victims Nationwide

Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have sustained offensive operations across the country, neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens and dismantling criminal and secessionist networks between August 31 and September 3, 2026.

The operations, conducted across the various theatres, also resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorist informants, logistics suppliers and kidnappers, as well as the recovery of arms, ammunition and other military-related items.

According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified counter-terrorism operations in Borno and Yobe states during the period.

In Borno State, troops neutralised a terrorist following an encounter with a command-detonated Improvised Explosive Device along the Miyanti–Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area. A rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were recovered.

Troops also ambushed and neutralised another terrorist at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, recovering a rifle and ammunition.

The military further arrested several individuals suspected of aiding terrorist activities, including a man transporting foodstuffs allegedly destined for a terrorist enclave in Bama and a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant.

Twenty-one women and children also surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, reportedly fleeing clashes between rival terrorist factions in the Yaganari enclave.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded major successes against terrorist groups operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

At Kogo Village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts and neutralised two terrorist kingpins, while another terrorist escaped with gunshot wounds.

Troops also intercepted a vehicle at Kadage Village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain. The fleeing suspect was neutralised during the encounter.

Further operations along the Shinkafi–Zurmi axis in Zamfara State led to the recovery of a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle, ammunition and other items, with several terrorists reportedly neutralised.

The troops also rescued 31 abducted civilians in separate operations across Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states.

Six victims were rescued in Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while 23 others, comprising three men and 20 women, were rescued on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The victims had reportedly spent about three weeks in captivity and were evacuated for medical attention. Two additional abducted persons were rescued along the Dandume–Birnin Gwari Road in Katsina State.

In Sokoto State, troops discovered and destroyed a terrorist camp in Bilange Forest, recovering military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle. Another locally fabricated rifle was later recovered near Maikujera Village in Rabah Local Government Area.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued operations against armed criminal groups and kidnappers in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.

Troops patrolling the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State engaged two suspected terrorists on a motorcycle, neutralising one and recovering a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and assorted charms.

In Kogi State, troops forced kidnappers who had abducted two women at Ajodomodo Village in Dekina Local Government Area to abandon their victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.

A clearance operation in Peva, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, also led to the arrest of five members of a gang allegedly linked to a wanted gang leader. Ammunition and other items were recovered as troops continued efforts to apprehend the gang leader.

Similarly, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops rescued five male farmers kidnapped from their farms along the Kotonkoro–Bangi Road in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA continued operations against secessionist elements in Anambra and Enugu states.

Two suspects were arrested at Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State for allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements operating from camps.

In Enugu State, troops raided the Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North Local Government Area and arrested a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate allegedly involved in attacks against security agencies.

Meanwhile, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops arrested a suspected informant for kidnappers at Sabon Gida Village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspect is being interrogated to determine his links with the kidnapping network.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their sustained efforts in neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens and dismantling criminal and secessionist networks.

Oluyede also praised the collaboration between the military and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.

He urged Nigerians, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security forces to strengthen the country's security architecture.

The Armed Forces, he said, remained committed to sustaining the tempo of operations until peace, stability and security were restored across the various theatres of operation.