The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has reported major operational successes across the country, including the rescue of dozens of kidnapped and abducted victims, the neutralisation of terrorists and the arrest of suspected collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers.
The successes were recorded between September 11 and 17, 2026, as troops intensified offensive, clearance, rescue and interdiction operations across the various theatres of operation.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested six suspected members of a notorious kidnap syndicate during a raid on a hideout around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The suspects reportedly confessed to kidnapping more than seven victims and killing those who failed to meet ransom demands.
Troops also rescued 14 abductees around Armuda and Gava in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, including Mallam Sadiq, the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town, who had been abducted during an attack in March. A woman who escaped after five months in captivity and two minors held for six months were also intercepted, while two family members were rescued along the Gwoza-Limankara Road.
The troops further recorded terrorist surrenders, with a repentant terrorist handing over an AK-47 rifle, a hand grenade and an Improvised Explosive Device at Benisheikh in Kaga LGA. Two other fighters from the Bula Daloye enclave later surrendered in Bama LGA with three AK-47 rifles and other weapons.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised several terrorists during a clearance operation near Gumki village towards the Nigeria-Niger border in Kebbi State, recovering a machine gun, rifle, ammunition and four motorcycles.
Troops also rescued several kidnap victims across Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto States, including 10 abducted persons comprising three men, seven women and a child at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.
In the North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops neutralised five terrorists in separate operations in Kwara and Niger States. They also rescued 22 kidnap victims at Muchiya Village in Rafi LGA of Niger State after making contact with terrorists, who abandoned their captives and fled.
The operation also recorded the successful clearance of 12 suspected Improvised Explosive Devices in Niger and Kwara States, including nine devices found along a major supply route between Machan-Gyada and Masaka villages.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested several suspects linked to terrorist and kidnapping networks in Benue, Kogi and Taraba States. Among those arrested were suspected informants, logistics suppliers and a reported second-in-command to a wanted criminal gang leader.
Operation ENDURING PEACE troops also rescued an abducted man and his wife in Ateli Village, Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, while a two-year-old child abducted alongside his mother was rescued at Tayu Village and reunited with his father.
In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested a suspected kidnapper at Obaretin Community along the Benin-Sapele Road in Edo State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops dismantled an illegal bunkering site near Well Head 17/20 in Egbema West, Imo State, destroying structures used by illegal bunkerers and approximately 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil.
The troops also arrested a suspected secessionist IED fabrication expert who was reportedly on a security watchlist. The suspect was intercepted along the Umulolo Junction-Linka-Ihube axis near Okigwe while allegedly travelling to procure materials for IED production.
Reacting to the successes, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops across the various theatres for their courage, professionalism and sacrifices in confronting terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats.
The CDS also commended the collaboration between the military, other security agencies and local stakeholders, while urging Nigerians, traditional institutions and community leaders to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in the statement issued on Friday, said the Armed Forces remained committed to sustaining its operations until lasting peace, security and stability were achieved across the country.
