Odita Sunday 
Troops intensify nationwide offensive, rescue dozens of kidnap victims, dismantle terror networks
By Odita Sunday
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified military operations across the country, recording major breakthroughs against terrorists, kidnappers, armed criminals and secessionist elements between August 31 and September 3, 2026.
The operations, conducted across the North East, North West, North Central and South East theatres, resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists, arrests of suspected criminals, rescue of abducted civilians, recovery of weapons and destruction of terrorist infrastructure.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained counter-terrorism operations across Borno and Yobe states, neutralising terrorists and recovering weapons and an Improvised Explosive Device initiator.
In Borno State, troops also intercepted an escapee who fled terrorist captivity, arrested a suspect transporting foodstuffs allegedly destined for a terrorist enclave and apprehended a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant.
Several terrorist fighters also surrendered to the troops during the period, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were arrested across the theatre.
In another development, women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, citing clashes between rival terrorist factions within a terrorist enclave. Another escapee from terrorist captivity was also intercepted in Gwoza.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations against terrorists across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts in Katsina, killing two terrorist kingpins, while another terrorist escaped with gunshot wounds. Motorcycles used by the terrorists were also destroyed.
In Kaduna, troops intercepted a vehicle carrying a large quantity of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain, while the fleeing suspect was neutralised during the encounter.
Troops also ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis of Zamfara State, recovering a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle and ammunition.
The offensive also yielded significant results in the fight against kidnapping, with troops rescuing abducted victims in Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states.
In Zamfara, troops rescued 23 civilians, including women and men, who had been held captive for about three weeks. The victims were evacuated for medical attention.
Troops also rescued other abducted persons along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Katsina and recovered motorcycles used by the kidnappers.
In Sokoto State, troops conducting clearance operations in forest areas discovered and destroyed a terrorist camp and recovered military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle. A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered in Rabah Local Government Area.
In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against armed criminality and kidnapping in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.
Troops neutralised a suspected terrorist during a patrol in Benue State and recovered a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and charms, while kidnappers operating in Kogi State were forced to abandon two abducted women unharmed.
A clearance operation in Taraba State also led to the arrest of five members of a wanted gang and the recovery of ammunition and other items, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the gang leader.
Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected informant for kidnappers in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspect is being interrogated to establish his links with the kidnapping network and identify other members still at large.
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops rescued five male kidnap victims from their farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Niger State and apprehended a suspected terrorist fighter with a gunshot wound in Kwara State.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA continued operations against secessionist elements in Anambra and Enugu states.
Troops, working with a local security group, arrested two suspects in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State for allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements operating in camps.
In Enugu State, troops raided the Iva-Valley Coal Mine and arrested a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate allegedly involved in attacks on security agencies.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their sustained resolve across all theatres of operation.
The CDS also praised the collaboration between the military and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.
Oluyede urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to troops, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the tempo of operations until peace and security are restored across the country.
About the Author
