By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across several theatres of operation in the past 24 hours, rescuing 31 kidnapped victims, arresting 17 criminal suspects, recovering weapons and illicit drugs, as sustained offensive pressure continues to weaken criminal networks, nationwide.
According to a military update, the coordinated operations driven by credible intelligence community collaboration and aggressive patrols, forced criminal elements to flee on contact while troops consolidated gains, ensured the safety of civilians.
In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 at Forward Operating Base Moriki working closely with local hunters swiftly responded to a distress call over the abduction of residents of Kadage Village in Maradun Local Government Area. On sighting advancing troops, the terrorists abandoned 25 kidnapped victims, fled into surrounding bushes.
The area was thoroughly exploited with no further contact and all rescued victims were safely reunited with their families in Moriki Town.
In Delta State, troops of 63 Brigade acting on intelligence, arrested a suspected cultist and kidnapper terrorizing Ezuokwu Community in Oshimili North LGA alongside 11 alleged accomplices.
Follow up raids in Ite Ego Community led to the arrest of a herbalist, the recovery of two pump action guns with five cartridges.
In a related operation, a suspected drug peddler was apprehended with crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as ice smoking pipes, Indian hemp. All suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody, pending further action.
In Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade conducted fighting patrols from Obajana and Kabba Patrol Bases to Ankomi Village and the Adankolo general area of Lokoja LGA on January 1, 2026 rescuing five kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements.
During exploitation of the area, two decomposed bodies were discovered; one has been evacuated while efforts are ongoing to recover the second.
Earlier on December 31, 2025, the same Brigade responded to reports of a road blockage along the Ayere Kabba Road in Ijumu LGA.
Suspected violent extremists fled on contact after brief engagement. Troops rescued an injured driver, recovered his vehicle and evacuated him to St Joseph Hospital Kabba while aggressive patrols continue to dominate the main supply route.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 5 Operation ENDURING PEACE acting on credible intelligence on January 1, 2026 apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village in Jema’a LGA. The suspect is currently undergoing investigation.
In Nasarawa State, troops of Sector 2 Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested two suspected kidnappers, hiding around Kadarko in Keana LGA on January 1, 2026 and handed them over to the Nigerian Police Keana Division for prosecution.
In Taraba State, similarly, troops of Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a kidnapping incident at Abong general area in Kurmi LGA, successfully rescued one kidnapped victim who has since been reunited with his family.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment towards safeguarding lives and property across the country, stressing that through timely intelligence, joint community efforts and sustained offensive operations, troops will continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action while urging citizens to support security agencies with credible, timely information.
