Nigerian Military Neutralises Terrorists, Arrests Criminals, Rescues Kidnap Victims Nationwide

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country, including the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of criminal collaborators, rescue of kidnap victims, and recovery of arms and ammunition during operations conducted between May 28 and June 4, 2026.

The military disclosed this on Friday through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said coordinated land and air operations across various theatres had continued to degrade the capabilities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, illegal arms traffickers, and other criminal elements threatening national security.

According to the military, troops of Operation Hadin Kai operating in the North-East arrested several suspected kidnappers, terrorist informants, and collaborators across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi states. Among those arrested was a suspected kidnapper in Biu, Borno State, who confessed to using weapons obtained from neutralised terrorists to carry out kidnappings, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities in parts of Borno, Gombe, and Adamawa states.

Troops also rescued several individuals who escaped from terrorist enclaves in Borno State, while others voluntarily surrendered due to sustained military pressure. In separate operations, troops neutralised a terrorist in Ngala Local Government Area and arrested additional suspects linked to terrorist activities and intelligence gathering for insurgent groups.

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded successes against bandits and terrorists operating in Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna states. Security forces neutralised terrorists during an operation in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and recovered ammunition and a motorcycle. Troops also destroyed terrorist camps in Zamfara State, foiled an attempted abduction of farmers, recovered an AK-47 rifle, and arrested a notorious terrorist kingpin who had reportedly been hiding among traders at Shinkafi market.

Under Operation Savannah Shield, troops operating in Niger State repelled a terrorist ambush after a fighting patrol in Borgu Local Government Area. The military said scores of terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while 15 motorcycles and more than 250 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist informant wanted in connection with previous attacks in the area.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued five kidnap victims after discovering an abandoned vehicle along a highway in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Two injured victims were evacuated to hospital for treatment, while efforts are ongoing to locate two other persons believed to have been abducted during the incident.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke sustained pressure on criminal elements across Kogi, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. A terrorist was neutralised in Kogi State, while a suspected gunrunner was arrested in Taraba State. Troops also raided an illegal mining site in Nasarawa State, leading to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of explosives, mining equipment, motorcycles, and a generator.

Security forces further rescued kidnap victims in separate operations in Nasarawa and Kogi states. In one incident in Kogi State, troops rescued a woman and her six-month-old child after pursuing kidnappers who had abducted members of a family from their residence.

In the South-South region, troops of Operation Delta Safe disrupted kidnapping networks in Edo State through a series of arrests. Among those apprehended were suspects allegedly planning the abduction of a medical professional and the wife of a deceased senior military officer. Troops also arrested suspects linked to the killing of a farmer during a failed kidnapping attempt and recovered communication devices used for criminal activities.

In Delta State, troops recovered several locally fabricated firearms and motorcycles during a raid on an abandoned security post allegedly used by criminal elements.

Similarly, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested suspected members and collaborators of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia and Anambra states. In Ebonyi State, troops rescued village chiefs who were being held hostage following a community leadership dispute and arrested three suspects connected to the incident.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria said the operations underscore the military's commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country. The military assured citizens that efforts to dismantle criminal networks, rescue persons in captivity, and maintain national security would continue in collaboration with other security agencies.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience, professionalism, and courage, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security efforts by providing credible information through military formations, police stations, other security agencies, or the toll-free emergency line 193.