The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has declared that terrorists are being squeezed from all sides by sustained military offensives, following the rescue of more than 70 abducted and kidnapped victims and the arrest of a wanted terrorist kingpin during nationwide operations.
The operations, conducted by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria between October 15 and 22, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of ₦10 million suspected to be ransom, the arrest of five suspects linked to the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State, and the disruption of several kidnapping and arms-trafficking networks.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operations covered multiple theatres across the country, with troops rescuing victims, recovering weapons and ammunition, arresting suspected criminal collaborators and sustaining pressure on terrorist groups.
Commending the troops for their performance, Oluyede said the operational gains reflected the military’s determination to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action.
The CDS particularly highlighted the rescue of 27 villagers in Gamji community, Katsina State, and 29 farmers in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, alongside the recovery of suspected ransom in Falgore Forest.
In Katsina State, troops responding to a distress call on October 16 engaged terrorists who had abducted 27 residents, comprising 15 men and 12 women, from Gamji community in Sabuwa Local Government Area. The troops reportedly overpowered the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon the victims, who were subsequently handed over to the village head after profiling.
Similarly, troops operating in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State rescued 29 residents who fled into nearby bushes when terrorists on seven motorcycles attempted to abduct farmers at Magaji Mai Kadarko village. However, one resident was reportedly killed before the troops arrived.
In another operation in Kano State, troops tracked kidnappers from Fanyabo village in Tudun Wada Local Government Area to Yan Taburmi in Falgore Forest, where they neutralised two suspects and rescued their victim.
The troops recovered ₦10 million suspected to be ransom paid by the victim’s family and handed over the money and rescued individual to the family in the presence of community leaders and police officials.
The military also recorded a major arrest in Mokwa town, Niger State, where troops apprehended a wanted terrorist kingpin and his accomplice on October 18. Four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered, while efforts continued to arrest other identified accomplices.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against terrorist groups in Borno and Yobe states, recovering eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle during clearance operations following an attack on troops at Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operations also led to the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators, while 19 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to or were intercepted by troops across Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno State.
According to the Defence Headquarters, some of those who surrendered cited hunger, hardship and violent clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for fleeing their camps.
Across the North-Central region, troops rescued five victims abandoned by kidnappers along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Kogi State, rescued a kidnapped herder in Nasarawa State and freed 11 passengers after pursuing attackers who had assaulted a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba Road in Kogi State.
Troops also arrested suspected gunrunners, arms dealers and kidnappers in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states, while operations in Plateau State resulted in the rescue of two persons abducted while travelling to Jos and the arrest of three suspects, including an alleged logistics supplier.
In the South-East, a joint security team arrested five suspects in the Irete/Orogwe area of Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State over their alleged involvement in the abduction of 20 prospective corps members. The operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE neutralised a suspected kidnapper in Amendokhian Forest, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, recovering a pump-action rifle and six live cartridges.
Reacting to the operational developments, Oluyede commended troops across all theatres for their resilience and urged them to sustain the momentum while remaining disciplined and professional.
He cautioned that a cornered adversary remained dangerous, directing troops to uphold the rules of engagement, respect human rights and avoid complacency during operations.
The CDS also commended other security agencies for their collaboration and appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to provide timely information on security threats, reject mob action and refrain from offering safe haven to criminal elements.
He warned terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers, recruiters and gunrunners that the Armed Forces would continue to pursue them wherever they might be hiding.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining operations until peace and security are restored across the country.
