Troops Rescue 36 Abducted Victims, Eliminate Terrorist Leaders in Nationwide Operations

The Defence Headquarters has announced that Nigerian military troops rescued 36 people held by kidnappers and neutralised several terrorists and criminal elements during coordinated operations across different parts of the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, outlining military activities conducted between August 31 and September 3, 2026.

According to him, the operations were aimed at dismantling terrorist groups, kidnapping networks, arms traffickers, criminal organisations and secessionist elements operating in various parts of the country.

Counter-Terrorism Operations in the North-East
Onoja said troops under Operation HADIN KAI continued offensive operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe states, targeting their fighters and logistics networks.

He said one terrorist was killed on September 1 after troops detonated an improvised explosive device along the Miyanti-Banki Junction main supply route in Bama, Borno State.

A rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were reportedly recovered from the area.

Another terrorist was killed during an encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe State, with troops recovering a rifle and ammunition.

The military spokesman also said troops intercepted a terrorist who had escaped from captivity around Sabsawa in Bama on August 31.

The suspect reportedly fled because of hunger and difficult conditions.
In Konduga, troops arrested a suspect accused of transporting food supplies allegedly intended for a terrorist camp in Bama.

Troops also apprehended a suspected former terrorist fighter who had allegedly become an informant in Damasak, Mobbar, on September 1.

Several terrorists reportedly surrendered to the military between September 1 and 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were also arrested.

Onoja added that 21 women and children surrendered to troops in Mafa, Dikwa, following clashes between rival terrorist factions.

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

Operations Against Terrorists and Kidnappers
Troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA also intensified operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

According to Onoja, two terrorist commanders were killed and another was wounded during a raid on suspected terrorist hideouts in Kogo, Matazu, Katsina State, on August 31.

Two motorcycles were also destroyed during the operation.
In Kaduna State, troops intercepted a vehicle in Kadage, Giwa, on September 2 and discovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of grain. One suspect attempting to flee was reportedly killed.

Troops also ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles around Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis in Zamfara State.

An RPG launcher, rifle, ammunition and other items were recovered, while several terrorists were reportedly killed.
31 Kidnap Victims Rescued.

The Defence Headquarters said troops rescued six abducted persons who were being transported from Ayu Market in Mehinua, Wasagu, Kebbi State, on September 2.

Another 23 abducted civilians—three men and 20 women—were rescued from the outskirts of Wuya in Anka, Zamfara State, on September 3.

The victims were reportedly held captive for approximately three weeks before troops rescued them and evacuated them for medical attention.

Two additional kidnap victims were rescued along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina State, while two motorcycles were recovered.

Troops subsequently carried out offensive operations in several communities and forest locations in Tangaza, Sokoto State.

A suspected terrorist camp was destroyed, while military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle were recovered.

A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered near Maikujera in Rabah, Sokoto State.

The weapon was believed to have been abandoned by terrorists following an August 28 ambush.

Operations in North-Central Nigeria
In Benue State, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE engaged two suspected terrorists travelling on a motorcycle along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala on September 2.

One suspect was killed while the other escaped. Troops reportedly recovered a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and charms.

In Kogi State, troops forced kidnappers to abandon two women they had abducted in Ajodomodo, Dekina.

The victims were reportedly found unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.

Troops also conducted clearance operations in Peva, Takum, Taraba State, targeting the hideout of a wanted gang leader.

Five members of the gang were arrested and ammunition and other items were recovered, although the suspected gang leader reportedly escaped.

In Kaduna, troops operating under Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapping informant in Sabon Gida, Sanga.

Meanwhile, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued five male kidnapping victims from farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga, Niger State.

In Kwara State, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist fighter who reportedly had gunshot wounds in Gaa Ali Awere, Ifelodun.

Security Operations in the South-East
In the South-East, troops under Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects in Mbosi, Ihiala, Anambra State, on September 1.

The suspects were allegedly involved in providing medical treatment to members of secessionist groups.

Troops also raided the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North on September 2, where they arrested a suspected member of a secessionist network.

The suspect was allegedly involved in coordinating attacks against security agencies.

CDS Commends Troops

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops operating across the various theatres for their courage, resilience and commitment to protecting the country.

He also praised the cooperation among the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.

Oluyede urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing operations.

He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue their efforts until peace, stability and security are restored across the country.

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