The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says its troops rescued more than 140 kidnapped victims and arrested scores of terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers and suspected collaborators during operations conducted across the country between September 17 and 24, 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday detailing the military’s operations across the various geopolitical zones.
He said the operations targeted terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and oil theft, while troops also disrupted logistics networks supporting criminal and terrorist activities.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted operations in Borno and Yobe states, including an engagement with terrorists at Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
The troops, supported by an Air Component helicopter gunship, repelled a large-scale terrorist advance on September 17.
Troops also ambushed terrorists near Benisheikh on September 18 and arrested four terrorists at Azare village in Gujba LGA of Yobe State on September 21.
A major breakthrough was recorded on September 24 when troops rescued 44 members of terrorist families comprising 13 women and 31 children at Konduga in Bama LGA of Borno State.
The military said the victims had escaped from terrorist camps amid clashes between rival factions.
More than 20 terrorist fighters and family members also surrendered to troops in Gwoza, Dikwa and Ngala LGAs of Borno State during the period.
According to the military, the surrendering terrorists cited hardship and lack of basic necessities in terrorist enclaves on the Mandara Mountains as reasons for abandoning the groups.
Troops also arrested suspected terrorist informants and collaborators, including a logistics supplier allegedly transporting Starlink internet devices to Chad along the Dikwa-Gamboru Road.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Air Component, conducted operations against terrorists and kidnappers in several states.
The military said a Nigerian Air Force jet intercepted terrorists transporting a large number of kidnapped victims around Bazama in Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State, forcing the captors to flee and enabling more than 60 victims to escape. Ground troops subsequently rescued several other victims in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states.
They included three victims rescued along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina State, three in Bakura LGA of Zamfara, 17 along the Isa-Kwanar axis in Sokoto and seven university students along the Daye-Malumfashi Road in Katsina.
Five other victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA, were rescued at Sekpore village in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State.
Troops also disrupted arms and logistics networks, arresting suspects transporting rustled cattle and others allegedly conveying ₦2.7 million to a terrorist kingpin in Faskari LGA of Katsina State.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD detonated an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists along the Dekara-Masaka-Machan Geda-Baturen Daji Road in Borgu LGA of Niger State.
Meanwhile, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescued four kidnap victims along the Takum-Katsina-Ala Road in Benue State.
In Nasarawa State, troops arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin in Lafia after raiding his residence. A locally made revolver, military-style uniforms, a luxury vehicle and ₦406,200 cash were recovered.
The military said analysis of the suspect’s phone revealed evidence linking him to illegal militia activities.
Troops also arrested suspected arms dealers and kidnappers in Benue, Taraba, Kogi and other parts of the theatre, recovering AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other weapons.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops arrested 11 suspects following raids on areas around Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills in Plateau State. Four of the suspects were reportedly identified by victims as members of the syndicate responsible for their abduction.
Troops also arrested five suspects in Kaduna State and, in a joint operation with Forest Guards in Bauchi State, neutralised three suspected kidnappers at Kudu Yamma in Ningi LGA.
Six kidnap victims were rescued during the operation, while a rifle and ammunition were recovered.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops uncovered about 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Bethel Creeks in Rivers State.
The operation also uncovered eight dugout pits, five of which contained suspected stolen crude oil, as well as hoses allegedly used for illegal crude oil movement.
The military said the discovery followed an earlier seizure of about 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at illegal refining sites around Aworkiri on September 8.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops and 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 Onoja said the military would sustain operations across the country until lasting peace and security were achieved.
He quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, as commending troops for their bravery and dedication to their constitutional mandate.
The CDS also commended the cooperation between the military, other security agencies, local security groups and communities, while urging traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security forces.
He further commended the media for what he described as balanced and professional coverage of military operations.
