RismadarVoice Reporters
September 29, 2026
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 46 kidnapped victims and killed a suspected militia member in separate security operations across several states.
The operations also led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition, the disruption of suspected terrorist activities and the arrest of a suspected criminal.
In Zamfara State, troops of Combat Team 7 responded to terrorist activity around Fegen Baza and the Setraco Company area in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat towards nearby farmlands and abandon 41 civilians.
Preliminary findings indicated that one of the vehicles attacked was travelling from Senegal to Kano State.
In Kebbi State, troops of 223 Battalion operating from the Forward Operating Base in Bena acted on intelligence about suspected terrorists moving with kidnapped victims around Sawade village in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the attackers, who fled towards Dan Lai Forest and abandoned two victims. The rescued individuals were subsequently handed over to the District Head of Bena.
In Niger State, troops of 45 Battalion, supported by vigilantes, encountered suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol around Alabani village in Mariga Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly abandoned their victims and fled during the confrontation. One vigilante sustained a gunshot injury and was reported to be in stable condition.
In Anambra State, troops of 185 Battalion, working with personnel of the Department of State Services and local vigilantes, rescued three people kidnapped at Osaukwa Bridge in Ihiala Local Government Area.
Troops of Operation UDO KA also carried out an offensive operation against a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network camp at Ugbene in Awka North Local Government Area.
The operation involved personnel of the 197 Special Forces Battalion, Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and DSS, supported by aerial surveillance. Improvised explosive devices were reportedly detected along the route to the suspected camp.
The troops engaged suspected militants, but the number of casualties could not immediately be established due to the thick vegetation in the area.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace engaged suspected militia members at Rugan Jallo in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area following an earlier attack on three women along Rakung Road.
One suspected militia member was killed during the operation, while two motorcycles were recovered.
In Taraba State, troops of 114 Battalion, working with a Defence Intelligence Agency team, raided a suspected illegal arms store at Abbare in Lau Local Government Area.
A K2 rifle, magazines, a submachine gun, 10 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and six rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered during the operation.
In Delta State, troops of the 63 Brigade Garrison arrested a suspected criminal allegedly carrying a firearm along the Issele-Asaba Road in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
The suspect and the recovered firearm were handed over to the 63 Provost Company for further investigation.
The Army also operationalised the 12 and 28 Infantry Battalions in Bakura and Anka Local Government Areas of Zamfara State on September 28.
The newly deployed troops were charged to remain committed to combating insecurity within their areas of responsibility.
