Military Rescues Over 140 Kidnap Victims, Arrests Suspects in Nationwide Operations

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

The Armed Forces of Nigeria says its troops rescued more than 140 kidnapped victims, arrested suspected terrorists and collaborators, and disrupted criminal activities across several parts of the country between September 17 and 24, 2026.

The military also reported the recovery of firearms and ammunition, the disruption of arms trafficking networks and the seizure of suspected stolen crude oil during operations conducted across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East geopolitical zones.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the military’s ongoing operations released on September 25.

In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe states.

The military said troops, supported by an Air Component helicopter gunship, repelled a large-scale terrorist advance on Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State on September 17.

Troops also ambushed terrorists near Benisheikh on September 18, while four terrorists were arrested during an operation at Azare village in Gujba LGA of Yobe State on September 21.

The military said the suspects were found with ammunition, bicycles and foodstuff.

A major rescue operation was recorded on September 24 when troops intercepted 44 members of terrorist families at Konduga in Bama LGA of Borno State.

The group comprised 13 women and 31 children who, according to the military, had escaped from terrorist camps amid clashes between rival factions.

The military also reported that more than 20 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to troops between September 18 and 24 in parts of Borno State, including Gwoza, Dikwa and Ngala.

According to the statement, the surrendered persons cited hardship and a lack of basic necessities in terrorist enclaves around the Mandara Mountains as reasons for abandoning the groups.

Troops also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, including an alleged informant at Gajiram and a logistics supplier allegedly transporting Starlink internet devices towards Chad along the Dikwa-Gamboru Road.

North West

In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops, supported by the Air Component, conducted operations against terrorism and kidnapping in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The military said a Nigerian Air Force jet intercepted terrorists moving with a large number of kidnapped victims around the Bazama area of Sakaba LGA in Kebbi State.

According to the statement, the aerial intervention disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled more than 60 kidnapped victims to escape.

Ground troops subsequently rescued several victims in separate operations, including three along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina State, three in Bakura LGA of Zamfara State and 17 along the Isa-Kwanar axis in Sokoto State.

Seven kidnapped university students were also rescued along the Daye-Malumfashi Road in Katsina State, while five victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA, were rescued at Sekpore village in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State.

Troops also arrested four suspected members of a terrorist group allegedly conveying rustled cattle near Illela in Sokoto State.

In Katsina State, three suspects were arrested in Faskari LGA on September 24 while allegedly conveying ₦2.7 million intended for a suspected terrorist kingpin, according to the military.

North Central

In the North Central, troops of various military operations recorded arrests, rescued kidnap victims and recovered firearms.

Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger State detonated an improvised explosive device allegedly planted by terrorists along the Dekara-Masaka-Machan Geda-Baturen Daji Road in Borgu LGA on September 21.

In Benue State, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescued four kidnap victims along the Takum-Katsina-Ala Road on September 18.

Troops also arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin at Bukan Sidi in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on September 19. The military said a locally made revolver, military-style uniforms, a luxury vehicle and ₦406,200 were recovered from the suspect.

The military further reported the arrest of suspected arms dealers, kidnappers and collaborators in Benue, Taraba and Kogi states, with several firearms and ammunition recovered.

In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops arrested 11 suspects during raids following the abduction and subsequent release of two victims at Gwafan Community in Jos North LGA.

The military said four of the suspects were identified by the victims as members of the alleged kidnapping syndicate.

Troops also arrested suspects for illegal possession of firearms in Plateau and Kaduna states.

In Bauchi State, troops working with Forest Guards reportedly ambushed kidnappers at Kudu Yamma in Ningi LGA on September 21, killing three suspected kidnappers and recovering a rifle and ammunition. Six kidnapped victims were also rescued during the operation.

South South

In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops continued operations against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The military said troops uncovered approximately 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Bethel Creeks in Rivers State on September 22.

Eight dugout pits were discovered at the site, five of which contained suspected stolen crude oil, alongside hoses allegedly used to move the product.

The operation followed an earlier discovery of approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at illegal refining sites around Aworkiri in Rivers State on September 8.

South East

In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops conducted operations against suspected secessionist elements.

The military said troops and local security groups encountered suspected secessionist terrorists at Obibi Forest in Orsu LGA of Imo State on September 23.

The suspects reportedly fled, abandoning a general-purpose machine gun, a rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle.

Troops also arrested a suspected informant and recovered documents allegedly linking him to the group.

During further exploitation of the area, the troops rescued a woman who had allegedly been kidnapped about two months earlier from her hairdressing salon in Ebematuo village, Orsu LGA.

The Director of Defence Media Operations said the military would sustain its operations across the country in a bid to protect lives and property and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops and other security agencies, local security groups and stakeholders for their contributions to the operations.

He also urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious activities.

The Armed Forces said it remained committed to sustaining its operational momentum until lasting peace and security were achieved across the country.