Nationwide operations: Troops rescue abductees, neutralise terrorists, bust criminal networks

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued 48 abducted civilians, neutralised terrorists and disrupted criminal networks across the country during sustained operations conducted between August 14 and 20, 2026.

The operations also led to the recovery of arms and explosives, arrests of suspected terrorists and kidnappers, disruption of illegal refining sites and the recovery of about 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday on the military operations across the various theatres.

In the North East, he said, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against terrorists and armed criminals across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states.

On August 14, troops and local security groups conducting clearance operations in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, rescued three kidnap victims, while five others escaped and reunited with their families.

However, two victims were killed by their captors before the intervention. A follow-up engagement neutralised one kidnapper, while a member of a local security group sustained a gunshot wound and was evacuated for treatment.

On August 15, troops repelled a two-pronged terrorist attack at Mandaraugirau in Biu LGA of Borno State, neutralising two terrorists and recovering rifles, rocket-propelled grenade bombs and other war materiel.

Troops also engaged kidnappers at Maigero Village in Song LGA of Adamawa State, forcing them to withdraw and recovering ammunition and items used to restrain victims.

On August 17, troops rescued a 63-year-old Cameroonian national abducted along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis in Dikwa LGA of Borno State and recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle at Ngurusoye Village.

The Defence Headquarters said 47 family members of terrorists, comprising women and children, also surrendered to troops between August 16 and 20 in Borno State, citing hunger, insecurity and factional clashes within terrorist enclaves.

Six terrorist fighters similarly surrendered to troops in Kukawa LGA of Borno State during the period.

In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations across Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states, neutralising terrorists and rescuing 28 abducted people.

The 28 victims were recovered between August 17 and 19 from Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State, Sabuwa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State, and Isa LGA of Sokoto State.

Troops also neutralised terrorists in Katsina and Zamfara states, recovering rifles, ammunition and motorcycles.

In Zamfara, troops arrested a suspect conveying 180 units of Super Power Explosives along the Kaura-Zurmi Road in Zurmi LGA, allegedly destined for terrorists in Katsina State.

Another suspect linked to the explosives supply chain was arrested in Gusau, while suspected collaborators and informants linked to a notorious terrorist kingpin were also apprehended.

In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued 13 victims abducted along the Alloma-Ejule Road in Kogi State.

The victims, comprising two men, five women and six children, were rescued during search and rescue operations across Ofu and Dekina LGAs.

Troops also neutralised a gang leader during an attack by suspected kidnappers in Assakio community, Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State, while another terrorist was neutralised at Kyado in Ukum LGA of Benue State.

The troops further disrupted arms trafficking networks, arresting an arms courier in Taraba State and recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from a suspected hideout in Jalingo.

Under Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State, troops responded to attacks on communities and recovered firearms, fabricated rifles, dane guns and ammunition during raids on identified suspects.

Similarly, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Kwara State neutralised a terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle at Alabe Idera in Ifelodun LGA.

On the same day, troops on night patrol rescued seven kidnap victims found wandering in bushes around Latandaji in Patigi LGA.

In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested suspected kidnappers and intercepted an arms trafficker in Delta State, recovering seven locally made pistols, ammunition and a camouflage vest.

Under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, troops also disrupted three illegal refining sites in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA of Rivers State.

The operation led to the recovery of approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO concealed in eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs.

In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against secessionist agitators and illegal oil bunkering syndicates across Abia, Anambra, Imo and Rivers states.

Troops safely disarmed multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Odumeje-Eketutu-Udah axis in Orsu LGA of Imo State and recovered a locally made pistol and cartridges after a brief encounter with suspected secessionist elements.

They also dismantled an illegal bunkering site in Ihie Community, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State, recovering motorcycles, suspected stolen AGO and a vehicle while arresting three suspects.

In Anambra State, troops recovered a pistol, ammunition and a radio during a fighting patrol to an alleged IPOB camp at Eketutu in Ihiala LGA.

On August 20, troops conducting clearance operations towards the “Mother Valley” in Ihiala LGA cleared 11 IEDs.

The Defence Headquarters said the operations reflected the sustained efforts of the military to deny terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action while protecting lives, communities and critical national assets.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops across the various theatres for their operational successes.

Oluyede also sympathised with families of victims who lost their lives during the operations and security personnel who sustained injuries, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.

He commended the collaboration between the Armed Forces and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.

The CDS also acknowledged the media for its professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations, while urging members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing useful information to troops.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, he said, would sustain the current tempo of operations until peace, stability and security are fully restored across the country.