The Defence Headquarters has announced that Nigerian troops have made significant strides in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other security threats. Between September 18 and 24, 2026, troops rescued over 60 kidnapped victims and arrested 44 suspects during operations across the country. This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, during a briefing on the military's operations.
According to Onoja, a Nigerian Air Force jet disrupted the movement of terrorists transporting a large number of kidnapped victims around Bazama in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The intervention forced the terrorists to abandon their captives, and more than 60 victims escaped. Ground troops also rescued other kidnapped victims in Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
Among those rescued were 17 victims along the Isa-Kwanar Isa axis in Sokoto and seven university students abducted along the Daye-Malumfashi road in Katsina. Additionally, troops rescued five victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara, from terrorist captivity at Sekpore village in Kaura Namoda.
In Borno State, troops intercepted 44 members of terrorist families at Konduga in Bama Local Government Area. The group comprised 13 women and 31 children who had escaped from terrorist camps amid clashes between rival factions. Onoja also reported that more than 20 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to troops in Gwoza, Dikwa, and Ngala local government areas of Borno.
Troops also made significant arrests in various parts of the country. In Yobe, a suspected terrorist collaborator and a spy were arrested at Geidam market, while a suspected kidnapper was arrested in Gubio, Borno. The suspect later led troops to Ardimini village, where an AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing 12 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
In other operations, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke arrested suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping and arms trafficking across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. Two suspected kidnappers were arrested along the Otukpo-Makurdi road in Benue, where troops recovered a rifle and ammunition. A suspected gunrunner was also arrested in Kwande.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their efforts and urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies. The military's operations demonstrate a commitment to addressing security challenges and protecting citizens.
Key points
- Troops rescued over 60 kidnapped victims and arrested 44 suspects nationwide between September 18 and 24, 2026.
- The military operations were conducted across various states, including Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, and Benue.
- The rescued victims included university students, local government officials, and civilians who were kidnapped by terrorist groups.
