The Armed Forces of Nigeria have rescued 18 kidnapped victims in Kwara State, neutralised suspected terrorists and kidnappers in multiple operations, and recovered firearms and ammunition across several theatres of operation.
The successes were recorded between October 9 and 15, 2026, as troops intensified operations against terrorists, kidnappers, illegal arms traffickers and other criminal networks across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on ongoing military operations during the period under review.
In Kwara State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, working with local security groups, rescued 18 residents abducted from their farmlands in the Eruku–Egbe–Koro Forest area of Ekiti Local Government Area.
The troops had responded to a distress call on October 10 and pursued the abductors, who abandoned their victims and fled into the forest. Two AK-47 magazines containing four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered during the operation.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on terrorist elements and their support networks in Borno and Adamawa states, recording several arrests, surrenders and weapons recoveries.
During an encounter in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on October 12, troops repelled an attack by terrorists approaching from the Lar axis, neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle.
Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of a PKT machine gun, three ammunition links containing 67 rounds, six AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 157 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a 60mm mortar bomb. Four additional terrorist bodies were discovered during patrols covering the area.
In Borno State, troops also received several individuals who surrendered, including suspected terrorist fighters and family members. Among the weapons surrendered were an AK-101 rifle with 31 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and an FN rifle with two magazines and 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The troops further rescued two abducted persons, identified as Bello Ibrahim and Ibrahim Adamu, around the Kuranabasa axis of Gwoza Local Government Area on October 15.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered weapons in Kaduna and Sokoto states.
At Soruro Village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, troops responding to a distress call neutralised one suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-pattern rifle, a magazine and 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Similarly, during a clearance operation in Waria Forest, also in Tangaza, on October 15, troops neutralised another suspected terrorist and recovered two AK-47 rifles and two magazines.
In Kaduna State, troops rescued a kidnapped victim after engaging suspected terrorists around Galadimawa, forcing the suspects to abandon the victim and flee. Another operation along the Dogon Dawa–Takama route in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition. A suspect, Yusuf Iliya Sani, was subsequently arrested over alleged involvement in kidnapping, extortion, sexual assault and killings in the area.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected arms fabricator and three other suspects over alleged illegal arms trafficking in Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas.
Items recovered included a locally fabricated revolver rifle, a fabricated pistol, a fabricated AK-47 barrel, an AK-47 magazine and 42 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm rimmed ammunition.
Troops also arrested Yusuf Suleiman at Barkin Ladi Main Market over alleged links to the September 24 attack on Kassa community, as well as kidnapping, armed robbery and the killing of a resident identified as Mr Gyang. Two additional suspects were arrested during a raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Bassa Local Government Area.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued two abducted persons in separate operations in Edo State on October 11.
Mrs Halima Ibrahim was rescued along the Okene–Okpella Road after her kidnappers fled on sighting advancing troops. In another operation in Sasaro Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, troops rescued Prince Michael Akao, neutralised three suspected kidnappers and recovered three locally fabricated firearms, nine cartridges and other items.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested three suspects, including a suspected IPOB kingpin identified as Ozioma Mark, during an operation in Atan–Ihechiowa Village, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State. Two motorcycles and cash were recovered.
In the North East, troops also arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators in Borno State, including two suspects apprehended in Monguno with supplies allegedly intended for terrorist elements in Kukawa Local Government Area.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended security personnel for their resilience and urged them to sustain operational momentum and vigilance against criminal elements.
He also called for stronger intelligence-sharing among security agencies and urged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to support military operations by providing credible information on suspected criminal activities.
The CDS further charged the media to promote accurate and responsible reporting, stressing that national security requires collective commitment from security agencies, communities and citizens.
