The Nigerian military, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, has intensified its offensive against terrorists, bandits, and kidnapping syndicates. Between October 30 and November 5, 2026, troops killed over 50 insurgents, rescued scores of abducted victims, and dismantled criminal hideouts across multiple states. The operations covered the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-East regions, delivering devastating blows to terrorist formations in Borno and Yobe states.
In one of the deadliest encounters, troops of Operation Hadin Kai crushed a terrorist assault on Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The insurgents advanced from the notorious Timbuktu Triangle axis on the night of October 29. A follow-up military operation on October 30 uncovered 48 dead terrorists, alongside 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, and other equipment. The insurgents suffered further casualties along their withdrawal route, with troops recovering additional bodies and arms.
The military offensive also exposed deepening cracks within terrorist ranks, as 12 fighters and their family members surrendered between November 2 and 4. The surrendering individuals attributed their decision to sustained military pressure and internal disagreements between rival JAS and ISWAP factions. Beyond battlefield victories, troops arrested 50 suspected terrorists, informants, collaborators, and logistics suppliers across the North-East.
In another operation aimed at dismantling terrorist supply networks, troops and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested 36 suspects during coordinated searches at motor parks across Maiduguri. A female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains was also rescued at Hudugum along the Gwoza-Limankara Road. The offensive recorded significant breakthroughs in the North-West, where troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 18 kidnapped victims in Kebbi State.
In Kaduna State, troops arrested two suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling at Sabon Gida Village in Chikun Local Government Area. A suspected terrorist was also apprehended at a clinic in Kagarko Local Government Area after allegedly seeking treatment for gunshot injuries sustained during a clash with a rival terrorist faction. The arrest involved troops and operatives of the Department of State Services.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke launched aggressive operations against armed gangs and kidnapping networks in Benue, Kogi, and Taraba states. Troops stormed a suspected criminal enclave at Edimogbo Forest on November 2, forcing armed elements to flee after an exchange of gunfire. A subsequent search uncovered 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles, and a mobile phone before the hideout was destroyed.
The military operations also yielded results in Taraba State, where troops responded to a kidnapping distress call at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, engaging the attackers and rescuing six civilians, including a baby. A wanted member of the notorious Konyo Boys bandit group was arrested at Ahmadu Village in Takum Local Government Area, leading troops to a hut where an AK-47 rifle and a mobile phone were recovered.
Key points
- Over 50 insurgents killed in nationwide military operations
- Scores of hostages rescued across North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-East regions
- 12 terrorists and family members surrender due to sustained military pressure and internal disagreements
