Nigerian Military Rescues 364 Captives, Arrests Scores of Terror Suspects in One Week

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes across various theatres of operation nationwide, including the rescue of hundreds of abducted civilians, the arrest of terrorist collaborators, the recovery of large caches of weapons and ammunition, and the disruption of illegal oil bunkering activities.

The achievements were recorded during coordinated military operations conducted between June 5 and June 11, 2026, according to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. The most significant breakthrough occurred on June 6 when troops executed a multi-directional assault on terrorist strongholds in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.

The operation resulted in the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who had been held captive since the attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. Military authorities disclosed that two infants died due to the harsh terrain during the rescue, while the remaining 358 survivors were evacuated to the General Hospital in Gwoza for treatment and rehabilitation before being handed over to relevant authorities.

Troops also rescued seven additional abductees who escaped from terrorist camps in the Amuda and Saha areas between June 5 and June 11. A 20-year-old terrorist identified as Fannami Ali surrendered to troops in Monguno, Borno State, while several suspected informants and logistics suppliers were arrested in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

Security forces further recovered seven motorcycles, a PKT machine gun and more than 1,070 rounds of ammunition during follow-up operations in Biu Local Government Area.

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded major successes against terrorists operating in Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina states. On June 5, soldiers intercepted a suspected arms trafficker along the Gusau-Shinkafi route in Zamfara State. Recovered items included a locally fabricated pistol, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and additional cartridges concealed inside a sack of millet.

Investigations led to the arrest of the intended recipient of the weapons in Shinkafi Local Government Area. Separate operations in Zamfara also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected terrorists and the recovery of motorcycles, communication gadgets, camouflage uniforms, boots and other logistics items used by criminal groups. Troops further neutralised terrorists during engagements in Maru and Birnin Magaji local government areas.

Under Operation Savannah Shield, troops operating in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State dismantled suspected terrorist intelligence networks. A high-value informant on a military watch list was arrested at Kara Market in Wawa, while five additional suspects were apprehended during follow-up operations. Items recovered included mobile phones, propaganda materials linked to a notorious terrorist commander, a motorcycle and cash totalling ₦199,500.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace also recorded successes against kidnapping syndicates in Plateau State. On June 5, soldiers rescued six passengers abandoned by kidnappers along the Hawan Kibo-Rafin Sayin road in Riyom Local Government Area. Another operation on June 10 resulted in the rescue of two kidnap victims who escaped from their captors after their vehicle was discovered abandoned along a highway in Barkin Ladi. 

The military also arrested two wanted kidnappers positively identified by a former victim, Benson Habu Yakubu, as members of the gang responsible for his abduction.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops recorded gains across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states. Security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle abandoned by a fleeing cattle-rustling suspect in Benue State.

In Kogi State, troops responded to attacks on commercial vehicles along the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road, rescuing 13 passengers and evacuating two injured victims for medical treatment. A suspected member of IPOB was also arrested in Adavi Local Government Area, while two kidnap victims were rescued in Yagba West after troops intercepted terrorists attempting to move them through the area.

Operation Delta Safe sustained pressure on oil thieves and economic saboteurs across the Niger Delta region. Troops uncovered illegal oil siphoning facilities in Rivers State and recovered approximately 1,200 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Akwa Ibom State. In Delta State, a joint operation with Tantita Security Services discovered a tank containing about 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Five suspected kidnappers were also arrested in Edo State, where they reportedly confessed to participating in kidnapping operations over the last two years.

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka recorded major breakthroughs against IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Joint operations with the Department of State Services (DSS) led to the arrest of six suspected IPOB/ESN members in Enugu State.

Subsequent intelligence-driven raids uncovered a large weapons cache, including a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), an RPG-7 launcher tube, 11 AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, magazines, tear gas launchers and more than 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition. Military authorities said the discoveries significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the separatist group.

In Imo State, troops destroyed a suspected illegal crude oil storage facility containing multiple tanks and petroleum products, while a follow-up operation in Ebonyi State led to the recovery of firearms and ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activity.

Speaking on the operations, Major General Michael Onoja said the successes recorded during the week demonstrate the Armed Forces' determination to eliminate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft across the country.

He commended troops for their professionalism, courage and sacrifice, assuring Nigerians that the military would remain relentless in safeguarding lives, protecting national assets and preserving the country's territorial integrity.

The Armed Forces also appealed to citizens to continue providing credible intelligence through established security channels, assuring that all information received would be treated confidentially.