By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the country, rescuing scores of abducted persons, arresting suspected collaborators and recovering weapons during operations conducted between September 11 and 17, 2026.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operations were conducted across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East theatres, resulting in the disruption of terrorist networks, rescue of victims and recovery of arms and other criminal logistics.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, arresting six suspected members of a kidnap syndicate. The suspects reportedly confessed to abducting more than seven victims and killing those who failed to meet ransom demands.
Troops also rescued 14 abductees around Armuda and Gava in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, including Mallam Sadiq, the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town, who was abducted during an attack on March 3, 2026.
Further operations in Gwoza led to the interception of a woman who escaped from terrorist captivity after five months, alongside two minors who had reportedly spent six months in captivity. Two other family members were also rescued along the Gwoza-Limankara Road.
The troops also recorded terrorist surrenders, including a repentant terrorist who surrendered at Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area with an AK-47 rifle, a hand grenade and an improvised explosive device. Two other terrorists surrendered in Bama with three AK-47 rifles and other weapons.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained clearance and interdiction operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states, neutralising terrorists and recovering firearms, ammunition and motorcycles.
The troops also rescued several abducted persons, including 10 victims comprising three men, seven women and a child at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Other rescue operations led to the recovery of traders abducted along the Ruwan Godiya-Mobai Road in Faskari, three kidnap victims in Chikun, Kaduna State, and three others at Gidan Gulbi Village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Troops also arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, collaborators and informants, including individuals linked to a notorious terrorist kingpin operating across the region.
In the North Central, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 22 kidnap victims at Muchiya Village in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State after terrorists abandoned them following contact with troops.
The operation also recorded the neutralisation of suspected terrorists in Kwara and Niger states, recovery of firearms and interception of 35 rustled cattle, which were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
Troops further defused 12 improvised explosive devices planted along major supply routes in Niger and Kwara states, while four suspects, including two allegedly impersonating military and police personnel, were arrested at Pissa in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops sustained operations against kidnapping and armed criminality in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, arresting suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers and recovering ammunition.
Troops also rescued a passenger following a distress call along the Anpkechi-Ogobia Road in Benue State and arrested a suspected second-in-command to a wanted criminal gang leader in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and local security groups rescued an abducted resident and his wife in Sanga Local Government Area, while a separate operation in the area led to the rescue of a two-year-old child abducted alongside his mother.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops arrested a suspected kidnapper along the Benin-Sapele Road in Edo State and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from the suspect.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East dismantled an illegal oil bunkering site in Egbema West, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, destroying about 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil and structures used by the operators.
The troops also arrested a suspected secessionist IED fabrication expert along the Umulolo Junction-Linka-Ihube axis near Okigwe, who was reportedly on a security watchlist and allegedly on his way to procure materials for IED production.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, professionalism and sacrifice across the various theatres of operation.
Oluyede also commended the collaboration between the military, other security agencies and stakeholders, urging Nigerians, traditional institutions and community leaders to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.
He further appreciated the media for its coverage of military operations and assured that the Armed Forces would sustain offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers, criminal networks, economic saboteurs and secessionist elements until lasting peace and stability are achieved.
