By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has sustained offensive operations across the country, rescuing over 70 kidnap victims, recovering ₦10 million suspected ransom and arresting several terrorist collaborators and kidnappers between October 15 and 22, 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, troops rescued 27 villagers abducted in Gamji, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State and 29 farmers in Mariga, Niger State, while a wanted terrorist kingpin was arrested in Mokwa, Niger State.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained clearance operations following a terrorist attack on troops’ location at Mairari, Guzamala LGA, recovering eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns and other munitions between October 16 and 18.
The military also recorded 19 surrenders of terrorist fighters and their family members in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza LGAs, who cited hunger and factional clashes. Logistics suppliers were arrested at Benisheikh Market in Kaga LGA.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued all 27 persons abducted in Gamji, Katsina State, and tracked kidnappers from Fanyabo Village, Tudun Wada LGA of Kano State, to Falgore Forest, where two kidnappers were neutralised, a victim rescued and ₦10 million suspected ransom recovered.
The money and victim were handed over to the family in the presence of community leaders and police.
In Sokoto, troops engaged terrorists at Sarma Village, Tangaza LGA, capturing four AK-47 rifles and six motorcycles.
In the North Central, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued two kidnap victims in Riyom, Plateau State.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger State rescued 29 farmers at Magaji Mai Kadarko Village in Mariga LGA and arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin in Mokwa.
Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued five victims along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Kogi, 11 passengers along Ayere-Kabba Road, and a herder in Karu, Nasarawa State. Troops also neutralised a gang leader’s second-in-command in Takum, Taraba State, and arrested gunrunners in Benue and Taraba, recovering AK-47 rifles and ammunition.
In Edo State, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE neutralised a suspected kidnapper at Amendokhian Forest and recovered a pump-action rifle.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested five members of the syndicate that abducted 20 prospective corps members in Owerri West LGA of Imo State, recovering three AK-47 rifles and 81 rounds of ammunition. In Anambra East LGA, troops recovered a pump-action gun after responding to an attack on local security operatives.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and urged them to remain disciplined and uphold human rights, while appealing to community leaders to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
