Baby Among 15 Rescued As Military Crushes Terrorist Hideouts Across Nigeria

Baby Among 15 Rescued As Military Crushes Terrorist Hideouts Across Nigeria

Princess-Ekwi Ajide

A baby is among scores of kidnapped victims rescued by Nigerian troops in a week-long offensive against terrorists and kidnappers across the country, as security forces dismantled criminal hideouts, recovered weapons and arrested suspected collaborators.

The rescue operations, which covered 30 October to 5 November 2026, were carried out across several states, including Niger, Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Borno and Yobe, according to the Defence Headquarters.

In one of the major breakthroughs, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued six civilians, including a baby, following a distress call over a kidnapping at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State on 4 November.

In another operation, 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 5 November.

The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, 33 motorcycles, ammunition and ₦4.1 million.

In Kebbi State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 11 kidnapped victims after pursuing terrorists along the Ribah-Dirindaji and Wasagu-Falfala roads. Seven other victims were rescued from Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages in subsequent operations.

The military also recorded major gains in the North-East, where troops of Operation HADIN KAI repelled terrorist attacks on Buni Yadi in Yobe State and Bitta in Borno State.

An assessment of the Buni Yadi operation on 30 October led to the recovery of 48 terrorist bodies, 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns and other weapons.

At Bitta, troops recovered seven terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, a machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and other ammunition after forcing the attackers to retreat.

The offensive also triggered the surrender of 12 terrorist fighters and family members between 2 and 4 November at locations in Bama and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Additionally, troops 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-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE dismantled criminal hideouts in Edimogbo and Obele forests, recovering thousands of rounds of ammunition, motorcycles and several AK-47 rifles.

Three kidnappers were neutralised during the operations, while a wanted member of the Konyo Boys bandit group was arrested in Taraba State.

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE also arrested a suspected terrorist in Plateau State, while Operation UDO KA recovered firearms and ammunition from a shop near the Marine Outpost at Otuocha in Anambra State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the operations reflected the Armed Forces’ determination to sustain pressure on criminal networks and restore security across the country.

He disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and sacrifices, while honouring an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives during operations.

The CDS also urged community leaders and residents to provide credible intelligence to security agencies, deny criminals access to logistics and avoid spreading misinformation.

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

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining joint operations until lasting peace and security are restored across the country.