The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) conducted successful operations across the country between September 11 and 17, 2026, rescuing 58 abducted victims and defusing 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). According to the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, the operations covered various geopolitical zones, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East.
In the North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai, troops intensified operations against terrorist and kidnapping networks in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. In Adamawa State, troops raided a suspected kidnappers' hideout in Song Local Government Area, arresting six suspected members of a kidnap syndicate. The suspects reportedly confessed to kidnapping over seven victims and killing those who failed to pay ransom.
Troops also rescued 14 abductees in Borno State, including Mallam Sadiq, the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, who was abducted on March 3, 2026. Additionally, a woman who had escaped after five months in terrorist captivity, alongside two minors who had spent six months in captivity, were rescued. Two other family members were also liberated along the Gwoza-Limankara Road.
In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma sustained offensive operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto states. In Kebbi State, troops neutralized several terrorists and recovered a machine gun, rifle, ammunition, and four motorcycles. In Katsina, troops intercepted terrorists preparing to attack communities, killing two during the encounter.
The military also recorded further surrenders by terrorists in Borno, with one repentant fighter surrendering an AK-47 rifle, hand grenade, and IED. Two other terrorists from the Bula Daloye enclave also surrendered in Bama with three AK-47 rifles and other weapons. In Niger and Kwara states, troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield recorded gains against terrorists and kidnappers.
Troops defused 12 IEDs planted across parts of Niger and Kwara states, with nine discovered along a major supply route between Machan-Gyada and Masaka villages. The affected roads were reopened for vehicular movement. In Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, troops neutralized two terrorists and recovered a machine gun and ammunition.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, professionalism, and sacrifice, as well as the cooperation between the military, other security agencies, and local stakeholders. The CDS urged Nigerians to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring that the Armed Forces would sustain offensive operations against terrorism and other crimes.
Key points
- 58 abducted victims rescued
- 12 IEDs defused
- Several terrorists killed and arrested in operations across Nigeria
