Nigerian Army troops have rescued 39 kidnapped victims, neutralised a terrorist and arrested suspected collaborators and criminals in coordinated operations across several states.
Nigerian troops have rescued 39 kidnapped victims, neutralised a terrorist and arrested several suspected terrorist collaborators and criminals in coordinated operations across the country.
The operational successes were recorded between August 17 and August 19 across several theatres, according to military updates made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday.
The latest operations come amid sustained military efforts involving intelligence-led patrols, offensive operations, search-and-rescue missions and collaboration with other security agencies. The military reported earlier in 2026 that such operations had resulted in hundreds of terrorist arrests and the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped victims nationwide.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 14 kidnapped victims after intercepting suspected terrorists moving through Madaci Forest in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescued victims comprised six males and eight females who had reportedly been abducted from different locations in Dandume, Bakori and Funtua areas of the state.
In Zamfara, troops rescued two abducted victims with gunshot wounds at Kwanoni Village in Tsafe Local Government Area after responding to intelligence about terrorist activity in the area.
The military also reported the rescue of three kidnapped victims during a search-and-rescue operation around Auda Village in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has continued to record rescue and counter-terrorism successes across the North-West, including previous operations in Zamfara that disrupted attempted mass abductions and rescued victims.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued 18 kidnapped victims at Kwatan Bajji in Ibi Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly rescued after the criminals fled upon sighting the advancing troops.
The military said the rescued persons were subsequently released to reunite with their families.
In Kogi State, troops of Operation MESA also foiled a kidnap attempt at Isanlu-Esa in Yagba West Local Government Area and rescued a civilian who had reportedly been attacked on a farm.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued seven kidnap victims during a night patrol around Latandaji in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The victims were recovered at about 9 p.m. by troops deployed at Gada while conducting patrols in the area.
In a separate operation in Kwara, troops engaged suspected terrorists at Alabe Idera in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
According to the military report, the troops came under ambush while conducting a fighting patrol but responded with firepower that forced the attackers to withdraw.
One terrorist was reportedly neutralised during the encounter.
The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a mobile phone and a solar panel. One soldier sustained injuries during the operation.
The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, also recorded arrests of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators in separate operations across Borno and Yobe states.
Troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, intercepted five female suspects at Ngurusoye in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military said the suspects were allegedly involved in supplying logistics to terrorist elements.
Recovered items included 65 packs of sweets, 117 packs of biscuits, 167 sachets of salt and other sundry goods.
In Yobe, troops of 159 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators at Maine checkpoint in Geidam Local Government Area for allegedly providing medical assistance and logistics to wounded terrorists.
The troops recovered medical supplies, cigarettes, cannabis, mobile phones, identity cards, a voter card, an ATM card and N11,500.
In Adamawa State, troops of 232 Battalion arrested two suspected ISWAP members at Garaha in Hong Local Government Area and subsequently apprehended another associate.
The military said the operation led to the recovery of a mobile phone, SIM card, bows and arrows, a locally made sword and four locally fabricated guns.
Troops also arrested six suspected drug dealers in Damboa, Borno State, recovering substances suspected to be marijuana and other hard drugs.
In Nasarawa State, troops of 177 Guards Battalion, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a snap check along the Keffi-Abuja Road.
Suspected crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “ice”, and other substances were recovered.
The military also reported progress in countering improvised explosive devices in Borno State, where troops safely detected and detonated two IEDs along strategic routes.
The operations formed part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist movement, protect major routes and prevent attacks on troops and civilians.
The military said the latest successes were achieved through a combination of offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols, search-and-rescue missions and inter-agency cooperation across the various operational theatres.
The Defence Headquarters has continued to emphasise intelligence-led operations and collaboration among the military and other security agencies as key components of its counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping strategy.
The rescued victims are expected to undergo appropriate documentation and reunification processes, while suspects arrested during the operations will remain subject to further investigation and prosecution where evidence supports charges.
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