By Miriam Humbe
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued no fewer than 50 kidnapped and abducted persons and arrested several terrorists, collaborators and suspected kidnappers during offensive operations across the country between September 11 and 17, 2026.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director, Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, disclosed this in a statement on the military operations for the period.
The operations, conducted across the various theatres of operation, also resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, recovery of weapons and ammunition, clearance of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and dismantling of illegal bunkering and secessionist activities.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested six suspected members of a notorious kidnap syndicate during a raid on their hideout around Soktu Hill in Song LGA of Adamawa State. The suspects confessed to kidnapping more than seven victims and killing those who failed to meet ransom demands.
Troops also rescued 14 abductees around Armuda and Gava areas of Gwoza LGA of Borno State between September 12 and 13, including the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town, Mallam Sadiq, who was abducted during an attack on March 3, 2026.
Other rescues include a woman who escaped after five months in captivity, two minors held for six months at Suyaka Camp on the Mandara Mountains, and two family members liberated along the Gwoza-Limankara Road.
A repentant terrorist surrendered at Benisheikh with an AK-47 rifle, hand grenade and an IED, while two others from the Bula Daloye enclave surrendered with three AK-47 rifles.
Troops also arrested suspected collaborators and informants accused of providing information on military convoy movements.
NORTH-WEST: 16 Rescued In Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded successes in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto States.
During clearance around Gumki village towards the Nigeria-Niger border in Kebbi State, troops neutralised several terrorists and recovered a machine gun, rifle, ammunition and four motorcycles. Two terrorists were also neutralised in Katsina State after troops intercepted a group planning to attack communities in Matazu and Karaduwa.
On September 15, troops rescued 10 victims – three men, seven women and a child – at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and three victims at Gidan Gulbi Village in Igabi LGA of Kaduna on September 17. Traders abducted along Ruwan Godiya-Mobai Road in Faskari LGA were also rescued.
Troops arrested logistics suppliers and informants, including two suspects on the counter-terrorism wanted list since June 2026.
In the North-Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops neutralised five terrorists in Kwara and Niger States and recovered firearms.
At Muchiya Village in Rafi LGA of Niger State, troops forced terrorists to abandon their victims and rescued 22 kidnap victims who were reunited with families.
The troops defused 12 IEDs along major supply routes in Niger and Kwara States, including nine devices along the Machan-Gyada-Masaka route.
Four suspects were arrested at Pissa in Borgu LGA, with two allegedly impersonating military and police personnel to spy on troops.
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops in Benue, Kogi and Taraba arrested informants and logistics suppliers, including two charcoal dealers who confessed to assisting terrorists, and six suspects along Wukari-Makurdi Road with ammunition recovered.
In Kaduna State, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops rescued a man and his wife at Ateli Village in Sanga LGA, and a two-year-old child abducted with his mother at Tayu Village.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE arrested a suspected kidnapper at Obaretin Community along Benin-Sapele Road in Edo State and recovered an AK-47.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA dismantled an illegal bunkering site near Well Head 17/20 in Egbema West, Imo State, destroying about 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil, and arrested a suspected secessionist IED fabrication expert on the security watchlist along Umulolo Junction-Linka-Ihube axis near Okigwe.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and professionalism, praised inter-agency collaboration, and urged Nigerians and community leaders to provide credible information to security forces, assuring sustained operations until lasting peace is achieved.
