The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations, rescuing 86 kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation within one week, while eliminating several criminal elements and recovering weapons and other logistics.
The latest rescue occurred following a kidnap incident linked to Ambrose Alli University in Edo State. According to the Defence Headquarters, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE launched a search operation on 14 July 2026, targeting a suspected kidnappers’ hideout between Era Primary Health Care Centre and Olelo Community in Esan West Local Government Area.
During the operation, troops neutralised one kidnapper, while another who sustained gunshot wounds later died in hospital. Security forces also recovered three rifles and ammunition, rescued three abducted victims, and successfully reunited them with their families.
The rescue was one of several successful operations highlighted by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during the Defence Headquarters’ weekly operational press statement covering 10 to 16 July 2026.
According to the report, troops operating under various Joint Task Forces rescued a total of 86 victims nationwide during the review period. The figure includes the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity following an intelligence-led operation conducted without any ransom or concession to the kidnappers.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 13 victims, including kidnapped civilians, women and children, while also arresting several terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators across Borno State.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West rescued 14 abducted victims during multiple operations in Zamfara State, including commuters attacked by terrorists, captives rescued from terrorist camps, and a farmer abducted from his father’s farmland.
In the North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued four victims, including two persons kidnapped in Niger State and two children recovered during a counter-terrorism operation in Kwara State that also led to the neutralisation of a terrorist and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun.
Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued four kidnapped victims in Plateau State after responding swiftly to a highway kidnapping incident, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers continue.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops rescued four victims abducted during an attack on an unauthorised NECO examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Those rescued include a school principal, a NECO official and two students.
Beyond rescue operations, troops across the country arrested suspected terrorists, collaborators, gunrunners and logistics suppliers, while recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles and equipment used in criminal activities.
Commending the troops, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, praised their professionalism, courage and intelligence-led operations, particularly the successful rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers in Oyo State without yielding to the demands of the abductors.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that ongoing military operations across all theatres will be sustained until peace, security and stability are fully restored nationwide, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
