Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued 53 kidnapped victims, arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers, and recovered arms and ammunition in sustained operations across the country between August 7 and 13, 2026.
The operations also resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists, disruption of terrorist logistics networks, dismantling of criminal hideouts and recovery of suspected stolen petroleum products in different theatres.
According to an official statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, troops recorded significant operational gains across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East, while the Air Component sustained precision air strikes and armed reconnaissance missions against terrorist elements.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued five female abductees around Amuda Bridge along the Ngoshe-Gava Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after the victims escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
The troops also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics facilitators and an alleged terrorist informant, while 19 persons comprising terrorist fighters, women, children and teenagers surrendered to troops at various locations in Borno State.
The surrendered persons reportedly cited food shortages, sustained military pressure and internal clashes among terrorist factions as reasons for their surrender.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded successes across Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, including the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers.
Troops recovered ₦5.302 million allegedly intended for delivery to terrorist associates and arrested two foreign nationals believed to be Improvised Explosive Device experts. In Kebbi State, troops neutralised 18 terrorists during an encounter at Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area.
In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued 25 kidnap victims in Kogi State in two separate operations.
Sixteen victims comprising six men, six women and four children were rescued along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe axes in Ofu Local Government Area, while another nine victims were rescued along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road after troops intercepted vehicles belonging to the kidnappers.
Similarly, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued nine male kidnap victims in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, while troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued a kidnapped woman in Plateau State after sustained pressure forced her abductors to abandon her.
In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued a kidnapped farmer in Edo State and neutralised one of the kidnappers during a covert rescue operation. The troops also recovered ₦1.5 million reportedly intended as ransom payment.
The military also intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State, recovering approximately 24,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and intercepting a speedboat conveying about 17,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
Additional operations along the Oteghele axis led to the discovery of concealed storage facilities containing about 60,000 litres and 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA, working with the Department of State Services, continued operations against a kidnap syndicate operating across Enugu and adjoining states.
One syndicate commander was neutralised while another sustained gunshot wounds during an ambush. Follow-up operations led to the arrest of another member of the group and the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from a forest hideout.
The Air Component also sustained combat air support across the various theatres, conducting precision strikes and armed reconnaissance missions against terrorist concentrations.
On August 9, an air operation over Sangeko and Baba-Doka areas of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State targeted a large concentration of terrorists, many of them mounted on motorcycles. Initial reports indicated the recovery of approximately 120 bodies and about 300 motorcycles at the location.
On August 13, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also engaged terrorists fleeing with rustled cattle around Maburya in Mariga Local Government Area, resulting in the neutralisation of 46 terrorists.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede commended troops for their commitment and successes recorded across the various theatres.
He also commended the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, local security groups and other security agencies for their continued collaboration with the military.
The CDS appreciated the media for its continued fair and balanced reportage of military operations and urged members of the public to provide credible information to support ongoing operations.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain resolute in their efforts to secure the nation and will not relent until peace and stability are restored across the country.
