Troops kill over 50 terrorists, rescue 51 kidnap victims in 1wk

The Defence  Headquarters ( DHQ) has said troops neutralised more than 50 terrorists and rescued at least 51 kidnapped victims during military operations across the country between October 30 and November 5, 2026.

The operations also led to the arrest of scores of suspected terrorists, kidnappers, logistics suppliers and gunrunners, as well as the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles and other items used by criminal groups.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement detailing the operational activities of troops across the various geopolitical zones.

According to the statement, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded significant successes in the North-East, particularly in Borno and Yobe States, where they repelled attempted terrorist attacks on military positions.

Onoja said troops neutralised 48 terrorists following an attack on Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State on the night of October 29.

He said subsequent exploitation of the area on October 30 led to the recovery of 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.

Similarly, troops repelled another attempted infiltration of their location at Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on October 31, killing seven terrorists.

Recovered items included four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.

The Defence spokesperson further disclosed that 12 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered to troops between November 2 and 4 in Borno State, citing sustained military pressure and disagreements between rival JAS and ISWAP factions.

Troops also rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains and arrested 50 suspected terrorists, collaborators and logistics suppliers across the theatre.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued several kidnapped victims during operations in Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna States.

The statement said troops rescued seven victims after pursuing terrorists towards Rambo Village in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives.

Four other victims abducted from their farms were rescued following an encounter with terrorists along Wasagu-Falfala Road.

Another seven kidnapped victims were rescued during operations around Geso and Ayan Geso in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while two suspects linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested in Kaduna State.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded major successes against kidnappers and armed gangs in Benue, Kogi and Taraba States.

According to Onoja, troops raided criminal hideouts in Edimogbo and Obele forests, where they neutralised five suspected kidnappers and recovered six AK-47 rifles, 19 magazines, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition and other military items.

Troops also rescued six civilians, including a baby, following a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

In another operation, a wanted member of the Konyo Boys bandit group was arrested in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, leading to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

The statement added that a terrorist, his wife and two children surrendered to troops in Kogi State, while a suspected logistics supplier and a gunrunner were arrested in Kogi and Benue States respectively.

Similarly, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 15 kidnap victims during an encounter with bandits around Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State on November 5.

The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG bombs, 33 motorcycles, ₦4.1 million and ammunition.

In Kwara State, troops and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria neutralised two suspected Ansaru terrorists during an ambush at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Three other kidnap victims who escaped from their captors were also rescued in Lema-Ndeji Forest in Edu Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA rescued a kidnapped victim following an attack by gunmen at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

Troops also recovered a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges during a search operation at a shop near the Marine Outpost in Otuocha, Anambra State.

Reacting to the operational successes, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in the various theatres of operation.

He also paid tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives in the line of duty, while wishing wounded personnel a speedy recovery.

Oluyede called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence sharing and coordinated operational planning to sustain the gains recorded.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

The CDS also appealed to Nigerians to deny criminal groups access to logistics and other forms of support, while warning against mob action, misinformation and the spread of disinformation.

He further encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities through the nearest military formation or the toll-free emergency line 193.

The Defence Chief reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ determination to sustain ongoing operations until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.