The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued more than 100 kidnapped victims and 44 family members of terrorists while arresting scores of suspected terrorists, kidnappers and collaborators across the country during operations conducted between September 17 and 24, 2026.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the military’s operational activities across the various theatres, saying the operations targeted terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and oil theft.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 44 family members of terrorists—13 women and 31 children—at Konduga in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on September 24.
The victims were said to have escaped from terrorist camps amid clashes between rival factions. More than 20 terrorist fighters and family members also surrendered to troops in Gwoza, Dikwa and Ngala LGAs during the period, citing hardship and lack of basic necessities in the terrorist enclaves as reasons for their surrender.
Troops also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, including an informant at Gajiram and a logistics supplier allegedly transporting Starlink internet devices destined for Chad. A suspected kidnapper was also arrested in Gubio with an AK-47 rifle.
Over 90 Kidnap Victims Rescued in North-West
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops, supported by the Air Component, rescued more than 90 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The military said a Nigerian Air Force jet intercepted terrorists moving with a large number of kidnapped victims around Bazama in Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State, forcing the terrorists to flee and enabling over 60 victims to escape.
Ground troops subsequently rescued three victims along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina, three in Bakura LGA of Zamfara, 17 along the Isa-Kwanar axis in Sokoto and seven university students along the Daye-Malumfashi Road in Katsina.
Five other victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA, Zamfara State, were rescued at Sekpore Village in Kaura Namoda LGA on September 24.
The troops also arrested three suspects in Faskari LGA of Katsina State while allegedly conveying ₦2.7 million intended for a suspected terrorist kingpin.
Kidnap Kingpin, Arms Dealers Arrested
In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued four kidnap victims along the Takum-Katsina-Ala Road in Benue State and arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The suspect’s residence reportedly yielded a locally made revolver, military-style uniforms, a luxury vehicle and ₦406,200 cash. The military said analysis of his phone revealed evidence of alleged involvement in illegal militia-related activities.
Troops also arrested suspected arms dealers and kidnappers in Benue, Taraba, Kogi and other states, recovering AK-47 rifles and ammunition.
Meanwhile, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops arrested 11 suspects following raids on suspected kidnapping hideouts in Plateau State. Four of the suspects were reportedly identified by victims as members of the syndicate responsible for their abduction.
In Bauchi State, troops and Forest Guards neutralised three suspected kidnappers during an ambush at Kudu Yamma in Ningi LGA and rescued six kidnap victims.
Military Uncovers 182,000 Litres of Stolen Crude
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered approximately 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Bethel Creeks in Rivers State.
The operation also uncovered eight dugout pits, five of which contained suspected stolen crude, alongside hoses allegedly used for illegal crude oil movement.
The military said the discovery followed an earlier recovery of about 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude at illegal refining sites around Aworkiri on September 8.
Troops Recover Weapons, Rescue Kidnap Victim in South-East
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops and local security groups encountered suspected secessionist elements at Obibi Forest in Orsu LGA of Imo State.
The fleeing suspects abandoned a General Purpose Machine Gun, a rifle, ammunition, a motorcycle and other items.
Troops also arrested a suspected informant and recovered documents allegedly linking him to the group. During the operation, a female victim who had reportedly been kidnapped about two months earlier from her hairdressing salon in Ebematuo village was rescued.
Major General Onoja said the operations demonstrated the AFN’s sustained momentum against terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and oil theft across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended the troops and other security agencies, local security groups and stakeholders for their contributions to national security.
He also urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible and timely information to security forces.
