The Nigerian military, working alongside other security agencies, has rescued 42 kidnapped victims, neutralised eight terrorists and arrested 28 suspected criminals during coordinated operations carried out across different theatres of operation within the past week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the operational successes during a briefing at the weekend, adding that troops also dismantled two illegal crude oil refining sites in the Niger Delta as part of efforts to curb economic sabotage.
According to Onoja, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes in the North-East, beginning on July 10 when four family members of terrorists surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after escaping from Kunde near the Mandara Mountains.
On the same day, troops arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier, Mohammed Goni, at the Molai entrance gate in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
The following day, troops apprehended another suspected collaborator, Janyu Alhaji Mamman, in Monguno after intelligence obtained from another suspect already in custody linked him to terrorist activities.
Between July 12 and 13, six additional family members of terrorists voluntarily surrendered to troops deployed in Pulka, Gwoza and along the Gwoza-Limankara Road.
Military personnel also intercepted another suspected logistics supplier at a checkpoint along the Mandaragirau-Biu Road in Biu Local Government Area.
On July 13, troops arrested a suspected foreign spy, Abubakar Mohammed Zen, at Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area. The suspect reportedly claimed to be a citizen of the Republic of Niger.
Two more suspected terrorist logistics suppliers were intercepted along Kauji Road in Damboa Local Government Area on July 15, while another suspect, Ali Umar, was arrested in Gubio after allegedly confessing to supplying petroleum products to terrorists.
Troops also repelled attempted terrorist infiltrations around Muna Garage, Shuwari village and the Ajilari axis in Jere Local Government Area, with follow-up operations leading to the recovery of the body of one terrorist.
The operations also resulted in the rescue of several abducted civilians.
Among those rescued were Usman Hassan, who had been kidnapped in Bauchi State in April 2026, and Aisha Mohammed, who regained her freedom under similar circumstances.
On July 11, troops rescued two civilians near Armuda Bridge in Gwoza and handed them over to the Ngoshe community leadership.
Four women and five children were also rescued near Armuda Bridge on July 15. Military medical teams treated the victims for minor injuries before reuniting them with the community.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested suspected terrorist collaborators in Zamfara State between July 11 and July 12 while recovering a motorcycle linked to criminal operations.
Security forces also foiled attacks in Kebbi and Zamfara states, killing three terrorists during separate encounters.
The operations led to the rescue of eight commuters abducted after an attack on travellers in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, while five additional victims were freed from a terrorist camp near Tungan Kudaduku village in Anka Local Government Area.
Another victim, Mahadi Haruna, who had been abducted while working on his father’s farm in Zurmi Local Government Area, was rescued and reunited with his family.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation Savanna Shield responded swiftly to a kidnapping incident in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, rescuing two victims shortly after they were abducted.
Forest Guards operating in Kwara State also launched an operation in Isin Local Government Area after receiving intelligence on terrorist movements, rescuing two children and killing one terrorist.
Security personnel recovered one AK-47 rifle, ten magazines and one Dane gun during the operation.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted a vehicle suspected to be transporting illegal weapons.
One suspect was arrested while another sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to escape.
Recovered weapons included three locally fabricated rifles and four submachine guns allegedly destined for criminal groups in Niger State.
Troops also arrested Abdulrazaq Mohammed, a wanted suspect linked to attacks in Plateau State, and rescued four kidnap victims during separate operations in Riyom Local Government Area.
Operation Whirl Stroke recorded additional successes with the arrest of Umar Shehu along the Keffi-Abuja Road in Nasarawa State while transporting 60 rounds of ammunition.
Troops also arrested four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.
Security personnel responded to a kidnapping incident in Benue State and later rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to the Defence Headquarters, sustained pressure mounted by security forces forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives, who were later rescued safely.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against crude oil theft by uncovering two illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and equipment used for illicit refining.
Following a kidnapping incident involving Ambrose Alli University in Edo State, troops raided a suspected hideout, killing two kidnappers, recovering three rifles and ammunition, and rescuing three abductees.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udoka recovered an assault rifle and 45 rounds of ammunition after raiding criminal hideouts in Rivers State.
Additional operations in Abia State resulted in the arrest of two suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group and the recovery of a pump-action gun and cartridges.
Troops also intercepted kidnappers along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway after they shot a truck driver and attempted to divert both the vehicle and two abducted victims to Rivers State.
The military recovered the truck, seized a locally made pistol and rescued the two victims.
Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and resilience across all operational theatres.
The Defence Headquarters also highlighted the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
According to the military, the operation was completed without any concession to the abductors.
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring citizens that operations against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality would continue until lasting peace and stability are restored across the country.
