Nigerian Military Kills Terrorist Kingpins, Rescues 41 Kidnap Victims in Fresh Operations

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified military operations across the country, neutralising several terrorists, arresting suspected members of criminal and secessionist networks and rescuing at least 41 abducted civilians between August 31 and September 3, 2026.

The operations, conducted across the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-East theatres, also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, military uniforms and other items linked to terrorist and criminal activities.

According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops operating under various joint task forces sustained offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers and secessionist elements during the period.

In Borno and Yobe states, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised terrorists and disrupted their logistics networks.

On September 1, troops encountered a command-detonated improvised explosive device along the Miyanti-Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. One terrorist was neutralised, while a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were recovered.

Troops also ambushed and killed a terrorist at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba LGA of Yobe State, recovering a rifle and ammunition.

The military further intercepted an escapee from terrorist captivity at Sabsawa in Bama LGA on August 31. The escapee reportedly fled because of hunger and hardship.

Troops also arrested a suspect in Konduga LGA who was allegedly transporting foodstuffs to a terrorist enclave in Bama.

In Damasak, Mobbar LGA, troops arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter who had allegedly become an informant.

The military said several terrorists surrendered between September 1 and 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were also arrested across the theatre.

In another development, 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa LGA on September 2, citing clashes between rival terrorist factions within the Yaganari enclave.

Another escapee was intercepted near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA, while troops on September 3 arrested a suspected terrorist spy along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road in Kukawa LGA.

The military said all surrendered persons and rescued victims were handed over to relevant authorities.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also recorded major successes against terrorist groups operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

On August 31, troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts at Kogo Village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State, killing two terrorist kingpins. Another terrorist escaped with gunshot wounds, while two motorcycles were destroyed.

On September 2, troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage Village in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain. The fleeing suspect was subsequently neutralised.

Troops also ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis in Zamfara State, recovering a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle and ammunition. Several terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the encounter.

The troops also rescued six abducted victims at Mehinua Village in Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State after responding to a distress call.

In Zamfara, 23 abducted civilians—three men and 20 women—were rescued on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka LGA on September 3. The victims had reportedly spent about three weeks in captivity and were evacuated for medical attention.

Two other abducted victims were rescued along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, with two motorcycles also recovered.

In Sokoto State, troops intensified operations in several forests, including Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna and Bilange.

The troops discovered and destroyed a terrorist camp in Bilange Forest, recovering military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle.

A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered under shrubs near Maikujera Village in Rabah LGA. The weapon was believed to have been concealed by terrorists following an earlier ambush on troops on August 28.

In Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

On September 2, troops patrolling the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State engaged two suspected terrorists riding a motorcycle.

One was neutralised while the other escaped. A pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and assorted charms were recovered.

In Kogi State, troops forced kidnappers who had abducted two women at Ajodomodo Village in Dekina LGA to abandon their victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.

Troops conducting a clearance operation at Peva in Takum LGA of Taraba State on September 3 also arrested five members of a gang linked to a wanted gang leader.

Ammunition and other items were recovered during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the gang leader

Meanwhile, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected informant for kidnappers at Sabon Gida Village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.

The suspect is being interrogated to establish his alleged links with the kidnapping network and identify other members still at large.

Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops rescued five male kidnap victims from their farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga LGA of Niger State.

A suspected terrorist fighter with a gunshot wound was also apprehended at Gaa Ali Awere Village in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State following intelligence on his movements.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified operations against suspected secessionist elements in Anambra and Enugu states.

On September 1, troops working with a local security group arrested two suspects at Mbosi in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

The suspects were allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements operating from camps in the area.

The following day, troops raided the Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State and arrested a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate allegedly involved in attacks against security agencies in the state.

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

He praised the troops for neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens, receiving surrendered terrorists and their families, and dismantling criminal and secessionist networks.

The CDS also acknowledged the cooperation between the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.

He urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security forces.

The Armed Forces, he said, would sustain the current tempo of operations until peace, stability and security are fully restored across the country.