The Nigeria military has rescued at least 36 abducted civilians, neutralised several terrorists and arrested no fewer than 10 suspected terrorists, informants and criminal gang members in coordinated operations across the country.
The operations, conducted between August 31 and September 3, 2026, covered the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-East theatres, with troops also recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other items linked to terrorist and criminal activities.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operations demonstrated the military’s continued offensive against terrorism, kidnapping and secessionist agitation.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive operations across Borno and Yobe States, neutralising terrorists and recovering rifles, ammunition and an Improvised Explosive Device initiator.
On September 1, troops encountered a command-detonated IED along the Miyanti–Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. One terrorist was neutralised, while 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 operation further resulted in the interception of an escapee from terrorist captivity around Sabsawa in Bama LGA, while another suspect was arrested in Konduga LGA for allegedly transporting foodstuffs to a terrorist enclave.
A suspected former terrorist fighter-turned-informant was also arrested at Damasak in Mobbar LGA of Borno State.
Several terrorist fighters surrendered to troops between September 1 and 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were arrested across the theatre.
In a major development, 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa LGA on September 2, reportedly fleeing clashes between rival terrorist factions within the Yaganari enclave.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded major successes against terrorist networks across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
At Kogo Village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State, troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts and neutralised two terrorist kingpins. One other terrorist escaped with a gunshot wound, while two motorcycles were destroyed.
In Kaduna State, troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage Village in Giwa LGA and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain. The fleeing suspect was neutralised during the encounter.
Troops also ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles along the Kwanar Jolof area of the Shinkafi–Zurmi axis in Zamfara State, recovering a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle, ammunition and other items.
The troops recorded significant gains in the fight against kidnapping, rescuing six abducted victims in Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State and 23 others—three men and 20 women—on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka LGA of Zamfara State.
The 23 victims had reportedly been held captive for about three weeks and were evacuated for medical attention.
Two additional abducted victims were rescued along the Dandume–Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, with two motorcycles also recovered.
In Sokoto State, troops intensified operations across several forests in Tangaza LGA, leading to the discovery and destruction of a terrorist camp in Bilange Forest. Military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle were recovered.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of armed criminality across Benue, Kogi and Taraba States.
One suspected terrorist was neutralised during an encounter along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, while another escaped. A pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and assorted charms were recovered.
Troops also forced kidnappers who abducted two women at Ajodomodo Village in Dekina LGA of Kogi State to abandon their victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.
At Peva in Takum LGA of Taraba State, a clearance operation targeting the hideout of a wanted gang leader led to the arrest of five gang members and the recovery of ammunition and other items.
Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops arrested a suspected informant for kidnappers at Sabon Gida Village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops also rescued five male kidnap victims from their farms along the Kotonkoro–Bangi Road in Mariga LGA of Niger State.
A suspected terrorist fighter with a gunshot wound was also apprehended at Gaa Ali Awere Village in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State following credible intelligence.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops continued operations against secessionist elements in Anambra and Enugu States.
Two suspects were arrested at Mbosi in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State for allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements operating in camps.
Troops subsequently raided the Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State, where they arrested a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate allegedly involved in attacks on security agencies in the state.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their sustained operational successes, particularly the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of abducted citizens, surrender of terrorist fighters and dismantling of 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 and local security groups.
He urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security forces, stressing that such cooperation remains vital to ongoing efforts to improve national security.
The CDS also reassured Nigerians that the military would sustain the current tempo of operations until peace, stability and security are fully restored across all theatres.
