LIFESTYLE Culture

Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims, Arrest Terrorist Collaborators

by admin on | 2026-09-21 11:52:11

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By Ahmad Sirajo Makama

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria successfully rescued numerous individuals who had been kidnapped, apprehended suspected terrorist collaborators and informants, and neutralised several terrorists during a series of coordinated operations throughout the country over the past week.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in Abuja during a briefing on ongoing military operations.

He said troops sustained offensive operations against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, secessionist activities and other security threats across various theatres of operation nationwide.

According to him, in the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 14 abductees in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, including the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, Mallam Sadiq, who was abducted during a terrorist attack in March 2026.

He added that troops also intercepted a woman and two minors who escaped from terrorist captivity in the Mandara Mountains, while several suspected terrorist collaborators, informants and suspected IED couriers were arrested at different locations in Borno State.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted clearance operations across Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped traders and other victims, and arresting suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators linked to terrorist networks.

The troops also disrupted planned attacks on communities in Katsina State and raided suspected terrorist hideouts.

Major General Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 22 kidnap victims in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State after engaging terrorists and forcing them to abandon their captives.

He said the troops also neutralised terrorists, recovered rustled cattle and successfully defused 12 improvised explosive devices in Niger and Kwara states.

Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested suspected informants and logistics suppliers allegedly aiding criminal groups in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.

Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops rescued several abducted victims, including a two-year-old child, during operations in Kaduna State.

In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested a suspected kidnapper in Edo State and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East dismantled an illegal oil bunkering site in Imo State and arrested a suspected IED fabrication expert allegedly linked to a secessionist group.

The Director said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and sacrifices in the ongoing operations, as well as the collaboration among security agencies and local stakeholders.

Major General Onoja urged Nigerians, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue supporting the military by providing timely and credible information.

He assured that the Armed Forces would sustain operations until lasting peace, security and stability are achieved across the country.