By Joyce Ekeh
Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have rescued more than 70 kidnapped and abducted persons, arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and recovered ₦10 million suspected to be ransom proceeds during nationwide operations between October 15 and 22, 2026.
The operations also led to the arrest of five suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members in Imo State, alongside the recovery of rifles, ammunition, motorcycles and other logistics items from suspected terrorists and criminal networks.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the achievements in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, highlighting major breakthroughs across the North West, North Central, North East, South East and Niger Delta.
One of the significant operations occurred in Gamji Community, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where troops rescued 27 villagers, comprising 15 men and 12 women, abducted by terrorists.
Onoja said troops responded to a distress call on October 16, engaged the attackers with superior firepower and forced them to flee, rescuing all 27 victims.
The rescued villagers were subsequently handed over to the village head after profiling.
In Niger State, troops rescued 29 residents who fled into nearby bushes when terrorists on seven motorcycles attempted to abduct farmers at Magaji Mai Kadarko Village in Mariga Local Government Area.
However, one resident was reportedly killed before the arrival of the troops.
In Kano State, troops tracked kidnappers to Yan Taburmi in Falgore Forest, neutralised two suspects and rescued a victim abducted from Fanyabo Village in Tudun Wada Local Government Area.
During the operation, the troops recovered ₦10 million suspected to be ransom paid by the victim’s family. The rescued victim and the recovered money were subsequently handed over to the family in the presence of community leaders and police personnel.
Another major breakthrough occurred in Mokwa town, Niger State, where troops on October 18 arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and his accomplice at the kingpin’s residence.
Four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other identified accomplices.
In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka, working with other security agencies, arrested five suspects allegedly linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the kidnapping of 20 prospective corps members.
The suspects were arrested on October 16 in the Irete/Orogwe area of Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, an English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In Anambra State, troops pursued attackers who assaulted local security personnel at Udoka Layout Gate, Nsugbe Abata, in Anambra East Local Government Area.
The fleeing assailants abandoned a bus, from which troops recovered a pump-action gun and five cartridges.
Terrorists surrender in Borno
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded further successes during offensive operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe states.
The military said troops recovered eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and other military equipment around Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Troops also reported the surrender or interception of 19 terrorist fighters and family members in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno State.
According to the military, the individuals cited hunger, hardship and violent clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for leaving the terrorist camps.
In Sokoto State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged terrorists in Waria Forest and Sarma Village in Tangaza Local Government Area, neutralising some of the suspects and recovering four AK-47 rifles, six motorcycles, ammunition and other equipment.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued two kidnapping victims and arrested three suspects, including a suspected logistics supplier, during a raid on a kidnappers’ hideout in Bangai Fulani Hamlet, Riyom Local Government Area.
More rescues in Kogi, Benue, others
In Kogi State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued five victims abandoned by kidnappers along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Yagba West Local Government Area.
The troops also rescued 11 passengers after pursuing attackers who had assaulted a commercial bus along Ayere-Kabba Road in Ijumu Local Government Area.
Three occupants of the bus, including the driver, sustained injuries and were evacuated for medical attention.
Further operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states led to the arrest of suspected gunrunners, arms dealers and kidnappers, as well as the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe neutralised a suspected kidnapper during an offensive operation at Amendokhian Forest in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
0A pump-action rifle and six live cartridges were recovered during the operation.
CDS warns terrorist collaborators
Reacting to the operational successes, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops across the various theatres for their resilience and commitment to restoring peace and security.
Oluyede particularly praised the rescue of the 27 villagers in Katsina and 29 residents in Niger State, the recovery of the suspected ransom in Kano and the continued surrender of terrorist fighters in the North East.
Describing the achievements as evidence that terrorists were being squeezed from all sides, the CDS urged troops to sustain the pressure on criminal groups while maintaining discipline and professionalism.
He charged the troops to respect human rights, observe the rules of engagement and remain vigilant, warning that a cornered adversary could still pose serious danger.
Oluyede also warned terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers, recruiters and gunrunners that the military would pursue and apprehend them wherever they were hiding.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to provide timely intelligence, reject mob action and refrain from providing safe havens for criminal elements.
The CDS reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining military operations until peace and security were restored across the country.
