Military Rescues More Than 100 Kidnap Victims, Arrests Terrorists Across Nigeria
The latest military operations across Nigeria have yielded a string of arrests, rescues and disruption of terrorist and kidnapping networks, with more than 60 kidnapped victims escaping their captors after an Air Force intervention in Kebbi State.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria says its troops rescued more than 100 kidnapped victims and arrested dozens of suspected terrorists, kidnappers and collaborators during operations across the country between 18 and 24 September 2026.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 44 women and children who escaped terrorist camps in Borno State amid clashes between rival factions.
More than 20 terrorist fighters and family members also surrendered during the period, citing hardship and lack of basic necessities in their enclaves.
In the North West, an Air Force jet disrupted the movement of terrorists transporting a large number of kidnapped victims around Bazama in Kebbi State, allowing more than 60 captives to escape.
Ground troops subsequently rescued victims in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto, including seven university students.
Troops also arrested three suspects in Faskari, Katsina State, while allegedly conveying ₦2.7 million ransom intended for a suspected terrorist kingpin.
In the North Central, troops continued operations against kidnapping and arms trafficking, rescuing victims and arresting suspected arms dealers and kidnappers.
In Bauchi, three suspected kidnappers were neutralised while six kidnap victims were rescued.
The operations also targeted oil theft and secessionist violence.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered about 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and eight illegal storage pits, while in Imo State, troops recovered weapons and rescued a woman who had reportedly been held for about two months.
The Defence Media Operations Directorate said the military would sustain operations across the geopolitical zones, while urging communities and other stakeholders to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
