RismadarVoice Reporters
September 5, 2026
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says Nigerian troops have rescued 36 abducted persons and neutralised several terrorists, including two suspected commanders, during operations conducted across the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, detailing military operations carried out between August 31 and September 3.
According to him, the operations targeted terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks and secessionist groups operating across different theatres.
Onoja said troops under Operation HADIN KAI maintained offensive operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe states, disrupting their movements and logistics networks.
He said a terrorist was killed on September 1 after troops detonated an improvised explosive device along the Miyanti-Banki Junction main supply route in Bama, Borno.
A rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were recovered from the scene, he said.
In Yobe, another terrorist was killed during an encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, with troops recovering a rifle and ammunition.
Onoja said troops also intercepted a suspected terrorist escapee around Sabsawa in Bama on August 31 after the suspect reportedly fled captivity due to hunger and harsh conditions.
Another suspect was arrested in Konduga for allegedly transporting food supplies to a terrorist enclave in Bama.
He added that troops arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter who had allegedly become an informant at Damasak, Mobbar, on September 1.
Several terrorists reportedly surrendered to the military between September 1 and 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were also arrested.
Onoja said 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa, Dikwa, on September 2 following clashes between rival terrorist factions.
He added that troops intercepted another terrorist escapee near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza and arrested a suspected terrorist spy along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road.
Troops rescue 31 abductees in North-West
The defence spokesman said troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued offensive operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
According to him, troops killed two suspected terrorist commanders and wounded another during a raid on terrorist hideouts in Kogo, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, on August 31.
Onoja said troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna on September 2 and discovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of grain.
One fleeing suspect was killed during the operation, he said.
In Zamfara, troops reportedly ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles around Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis.
An RPG launcher, rifle, ammunition and other items were recovered, while several terrorists were neutralised.
Onoja said troops rescued six abducted persons who were being moved from Ayu Market in Mehunia, Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, on September 2.
The following day, troops rescued 23 civilians,s three men and 20 women,n from the outskirts of Wuya in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara.
The victims, according to the military, had spent about three weeks in captivity before being rescued and taken for medical attention.
Two other abducted persons were rescued along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina, with two motorcycles recovered during the operation.
Troops subsequently carried out clearance operations in Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna and Bilange Forest in Tangaza, Sokoto State.
The operation led to the destruction of a terrorist camp, while military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle were recovered.
A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered near Maikujera in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto. The weapon was believed to have been abandoned by terrorists following an August 28 ambush.
In the North-Central region, Onoja said troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE engaged two suspected terrorists riding a motorcycle along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, on September 2.
One suspect was killed while the other escaped. Troops recovered a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and charms.
He said troops also forced kidnappers to abandon two women abducted at Ajodomodo in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were found unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest, he said.
In Taraba, troops conducted a clearance operation at Peva in Takum on September 3, targeting the hideout of a wanted gang leader.
Five members of the gang were arrested, while ammunition and other items were recovered. The suspected gang leader, however, remained at large.
Onoja said troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapping informant at Sabon Gida in Sanga, Kaduna State.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued five male kidnap victims from farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga, Niger State.
A suspected terrorist fighter with gunshot wounds was also arrested at Gaa Ali Awere in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
In the South-East, troops under Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects at Mbosi, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on September 1.
The suspects were allegedly providing medical treatment to members of a secessionist group.
The troops also raided the Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North on September 2 and arrested another suspected member of a secessionist syndicate.
According to Onoja, the suspect was allegedly involved in organising attacks against security agencies.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops deployed across the various theatres for their courage and resilience.
He also praised the collaboration among the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.
The CDS urged traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain their operations until peace, stability and security are restored across the country.
