Nigerian Military Rescues 28 Kidnap Victims, Neutralises Terrorists, Recovers Weapons in One Week

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says its troops rescued dozens of kidnapped victims, neutralised terrorists and arrested suspected criminals in various operations across the country between August 14 and 20, 2026.

The  Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja disclosed this in its latest operational update, detailing successes recorded across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East theatres.

47 Terrorist Family Members Surrender in Borno

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded several successes in operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Bauchi states.

Onoja  said troops and local security groups rescued three kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, on August 14.

Five other victims reportedly escaped their captors and were reunited with their families, although two victims were killed before the intervention.

Troops subsequently neutralised one kidnapper during a follow-up operation.

In Borno State, troops on August 15 repelled a two-pronged terrorist attack at Mandaraugirau in Biu LGA, killing two terrorists and recovering rifles, rocket-propelled grenade bombs and other weapons.

The military also reported the rescue of a 63-year-old Cameroonian national abducted along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis.

Between August 16 and 20, 47 members of terrorist families, including women and children, surrendered to troops in different locations in Borno State.

According to the military, the surrendering persons cited hunger, insecurity and factional clashes within terrorist enclaves as reasons for fleeing.

Six terrorist fighters also surrendered to troops in Kukawa LGA between August 15 and 20.

28 Kidnap Victims Rescued in North-West

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma intensified operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The military said troops neutralised terrorists in Katsina and Zamfara states and recovered rifles, ammunition and motorcycles.

Between August 17 and 19, troops rescued 28 abducted victims during separate operations in Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State, Sabuwa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State, and Isa LGA of Sokoto State.

The victims were handed over to local authorities for reunification with their families.

Troops also intercepted a suspect transporting 180 units of Super Power Explosives along the Kaura-Zurmi Road in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State.

Further investigations led to the arrest of other suspected members of an explosives supply chain and informants allegedly linked to terrorist activities.

Troops Force Release of 13 Kidnap Victims in Kogi

In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 13 victims abducted along the Alloma-Ejule Road in Kogi State.

The victims, comprising two men, five women and six children, were rescued during search and rescue operations in Ofu and Dekina LGAs.

In Nasarawa State, troops responding to an attack on Assakio community in Lafia LGA reportedly neutralised the gang leader, while two other suspected kidnappers escaped with gunshot wounds.

Troops also arrested suspected arms traffickers and recovered weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, in Taraba State.

Illegal Refining Sites Destroyed in Rivers

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe continued operations against kidnapping, arms trafficking and crude oil theft in Edo, Delta and Rivers states.

Troops arrested three suspected kidnappers in Edo State and later intercepted a suspect at the Onitsha-Asaba Head Bridge in Delta State.

Seven locally manufactured pistols, ammunition and a camouflage vest were recovered from the suspect.

In Rivers State, troops operating under Operation Delta Sentinel disrupted three illegal refining sites in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA.

The operation led to the recovery of approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, stored in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs.

Troops Clear 11 IEDs in Anambra

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained operations against secessionist elements and illegal oil bunkering activities in Abia, Anambra, Imo and Rivers states.

Troops discovered and safely disarmed multiple improvised explosive devices along the Odumeje-Eketutu-Udah axis in Orsu LGA of Imo State on August 14.

On August 20, troops conducting clearance operations towards the “Mother Valley” in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State reportedly cleared 11 IEDs.

The troops also recovered weapons and arrested suspected members of criminal and secessionist networks during operations across the region.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their efforts across the various theatres.

Oluyede also sympathised with families of civilians killed during the operations and security personnel injured in the line of duty.

He praised the collaboration between the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders in combating terrorism, kidnapping and economic sabotage.

The CDS further urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain operations until peace, stability and security are restored across the country.