Troops kill terrorists, rescue 179 kidnap victims nationwide

The Defence Headquarters has announced fresh operational successes recorded by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing on military operations conducted between May 25 and May 28, 2026.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops operating under various Joint Task Forces neutralised several terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims, arrested criminal suspects, and recovered weapons, ammunition, illicit drugs, and other items during coordinated operations nationwide.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised terrorists during fighting patrols in Taraba, Borno, and Yobe states.

The military said troops responded to gunfire in Akate community in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State on May 24, killing two terrorists and recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, and mobile phones.

In Borno State, a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Alhaji Gambo was arrested in Monguno while attempting to enter the town during routine security checks.

The military also confirmed that sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves led to the surrender of a family member of a suspected terrorist in Gwoza Local Government Area.

Troops additionally received four rescued abductees, including three females, from the Cameroon Defence Force after they escaped captivity following an earlier attack on Ngoshe community.

On the Bam-Buratai axis in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, troops detected a gathering of terrorists and engaged them with indirect fire, killing five insurgents and recovering ammunition.

Similarly, an ambush operation along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi road in Yobe State led to the killing of four terrorists and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops arrested a suspected member of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Kebbi State after recovering images of armed terrorists from his mobile phone.

Troops also neutralised terrorists during operations in Zamfara and Katsina states, recovering fabricated rifles, motorcycles, and ammunition.

The military further disclosed that troops rescued 31 kidnapped victims along the Bagega–Kawaye road in Zamfara State after the victims escaped captivity following an airstrike by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships.

In Niger State, troops under Operation Savannah Shield recorded a major humanitarian breakthrough with the release of 148 kidnapped victims, including women and children, who had spent over three months in captivity.

The victims were reportedly abducted from Galma village in Mariga Local Government Area and later released by terrorists operating from the Kuyambana Forest.

In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya during an operation in Kauru Local Government Area.

The military said the suspect attempted to escape but was killed during an encounter with troops.

Operations in Benue State also led to the recovery of suspected illicit drugs, methamphetamine, cash, vehicles, and electronic devices linked to drug trafficking activities.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe, alongside other security agencies, carried out clearance operations in Edo State forests notorious for kidnapping activities.

The military said one suspect was arrested while another kidnapper was neutralised during an ambush operation along the Ohe–Uzea road.

Recovered items included firearms, cartridges, ropes, knives, hard drugs, mobile phones, ATM cards, and cash.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested suspected IPOB/ESN kingpins during raids in Ebonyi State.

The military identified one of the suspects as Chinedu Opete, also known as “Dragon,” and said recovered items included military belts and berets bearing IPOB/ESN insignia.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated that the Armed Forces remain committed to restoring peace and security across Nigeria.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, was quoted as assuring Nigerians that military operations against terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal gangs would continue until lasting peace is achieved.

The military also urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing operations nationwide.