RismadarVoice Reporters
October 2, 2026
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Imo State.
The victims were reportedly abducted from two commercial buses at Umonuwa village in Mbaise Local Government Area at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Following the incident, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA launched an operation that led to the rescue of the 10 prospective corps members.
The operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, who were also involved in efforts to track the suspected kidnappers.
The military did not immediately provide details on whether arrests were made in connection with the abduction.
In a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops reportedly killed 16 suspected terrorists while responding to coordinated attacks on military positions in Garkida, Gombi Local Government Area, and Garaha in Hong LGA.
The attacks reportedly occurred at about 1 a.m. on Thursday and targeted troops of the 226 Battalion (Motorised) and 232 Battalion.
According to the military account, troops repelled the attacks and pursued the fighters as they withdrew on motorcycles towards Garkida.
The Army said three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one locally made gun, six AK-47 magazines and cartridges were recovered during the operation.
Follow-up operations were ongoing as troops strengthened defensive positions in the affected communities.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also reportedly repelled an attack on Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido LGA.
The military said the attackers withdrew after encountering troops, leaving behind cattle they had allegedly taken from the community. The animals were subsequently recovered and returned to their owners.
One civilian was reported killed and three others abducted during the attack. Security forces said efforts were continuing to locate the abducted residents and apprehend those responsible.
In Yobe State, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, arrested a man suspected of links to the Islamic State West Africa Province at Babbangida in Tarmuwa LGA.
The military said the suspect, arrested on September 29, claimed to be an Islamic cleric operating in the Sahara region of Niger Republic.
According to the preliminary military account, he travelled into Nigeria from the Zarmadu-Sahara area of Niger Republic before proceeding towards Borno State.
Authorities reportedly recovered a phone and ₦396,200, among other personal items. The allegation concerning his links to ISWAP remains subject to investigation.
The Army also reported the arrest of four suspected terrorists during a patrol in parts of Hong LGA of Adamawa State.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA reportedly engaged suspected terrorists along the Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA of Sokoto State, forcing them to withdraw.
The military said patrols had been intensified along the route as security operations continued across the affected areas.
