The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued more than 120 kidnapped victims and 44 family members of terrorists in coordinated operations across the country between September 17 and 24, 2026, while troops also arrested scores of suspected terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers and collaborators.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists on the military’s ongoing operations across the various geopolitical zones.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe states, including the rescue of 44 terrorist family members comprising 13 women and 31 children 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 troops intercepted and rescued them.
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 persons reportedly cited hardship and lack of basic necessities in terrorist enclaves on the Mandara Mountains as reasons for abandoning the groups.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, rescued dozens of kidnapped victims in separate operations across Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Onoja said an Air Force jet intercepted terrorists moving with a large number of kidnapped victims around Bazama in Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State, forcing the terrorists to scatter and enabling more than 60 victims to escape.
Ground troops subsequently rescued the victims, including 17 along the Isa-Kwanar axis in Sokoto State, seven university students along the Daye-Malumfashi Road in Katsina State and five victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA, at Sekpore Village in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State.
The troops also rescued three victims along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina State and another three in Bakura LGA of Zamfara State.
Across the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued four kidnap victims along the Takum-Katsina-Ala Road in Benue State, while Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued six victims following an ambush on suspected kidnappers at Kudu Yamma in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State.
The military also intensified operations against arms trafficking and criminal networks, with troops arresting suspected arms dealers, kidnappers, terrorists and collaborators across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Plateau, Katsina and other states.
In Nasarawa State, troops raided the residence of a suspected kidnap kingpin in Bukan Sidi, Lafia, arrested the suspect and recovered a locally made revolver, military-style uniforms, a luxury vehicle and ₦406,200.
Troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles concealed in separate locations at Apawa in Lau LGA of Taraba State and arrested suspects linked to arms trafficking and terrorist activities in several locations.
In Plateau State, 11 suspects were arrested following raids on suspected kidnapping hideouts at Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills in Jos North LGA. Four of the suspects were reportedly identified by recently released kidnap victims as members of the syndicate responsible for their abduction.
In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the campaign against crude oil theft and pipeline-related crimes, uncovering approximately 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Bethel Creeks in Rivers State.
The troops also discovered eight dugout pits, five of which contained suspected stolen crude oil, alongside hoses allegedly used for illegal crude oil movement.
The discovery followed an earlier seizure of approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at illegal refining sites around Aworkiri in Rivers State on September 8.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA engaged suspected secessionist elements at Obibi Forest around Mother Valley in Ihitte Owerri, Orsu LGA of Imo State.
The troops recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, a rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle abandoned by the fleeing suspects. A suspected informant was also arrested with documents allegedly linking him to the group.
During the operation, troops rescued a woman who had reportedly been kidnapped about two months earlier from her hairdressing salon in Ebematuo village, Orsu LGA.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger State sustained patrols against terrorist threats, detonating an Improvised Explosive Device planted along the Dekara-Masaka-Machan Geda-Baturen Daji Road in Borgu LGA.
The Defence Media Operations chief said the operation secured the route for commuters and strengthened the presence of troops in the area.
Onoja said the operations demonstrated the continued commitment of the Armed Forces to countering terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other threats to national security.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry and bravery, as well as the support of other security agencies, local security groups and stakeholders.
The CDS also urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible and timely information to security forces, while commending the media for its balanced and professional coverage of military operations.
The Armed Forces, Onoja said, would sustain the current operational momentum until lasting peace and security are achieved across the country.
