Troops Crack Criminal Networks, Rescue 48 Abductees in Nationwide operations
By Ewache Ajefu
Nigeria’s Military High Command has said troops have rescued 48 abductees, neutralised terrorists and disrupted criminal networks across the country during sustained operations conducted between August 14 and 20, 2026.
The operations also led to the recovery of arms and explosives, arrests of suspected terrorists and kidnappers, disruption of illegal refining sites and the recovery of about 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday on the current military operations across theatres.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against terrorists and armed criminals across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states.
On August 14, troops and local security groups conducting clearance operations in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, rescued three kidnapped victims, while five others escaped and reunited with their families.
However, two victims were killed by their captors before the intervention. A follow-up engagement neutralised one kidnapper, while a member of a local security group sustained a gunshot wound and was evacuated for treatment.
On August 15, troops repelled a two-pronged terrorist attack at Mandaraugirau in Biu LGA of Borno State, neutralising two terrorists and recovering rifles, rocket-propelled grenade bombs and other war materiel.
Troops also engaged kidnappers at Maigero Village in Song LGA of Adamawa State, forcing them to withdraw and recovering ammunition and items used to restrain victims.
On August 17, troops rescued a 63-year-old Cameroonian national abducted along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis in Dikwa LGA of Borno State and recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle at Ngurusoye Village.
The Defence Headquarters said 47 family members of terrorists, comprising women and children, also surrendered to troops between August 16 and 20 in Borno State, citing hunger, insecurity and factional clashes within terrorist enclaves.
Six terrorist fighters similarly surrendered to troops in Kukawa LGA of Borno State during the period.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations across Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states, neutralising terrorists and rescuing 28 abducted victims.
The 28 victims were recovered between August 17 and 19 from Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State, Sabuwa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State, and Isa LGA of Sokoto State.
Troops also neutralised terrorists in Katsina and Zamfara states, recovering rifles, ammunition and motorcycles.
In Zamfara, troops arrested a suspect conveying 180 units of Super Power Explosives along the Kaura-Zurmi Road in Zurmi LGA, allegedly destined for terrorists in Katsina State.
Another suspect linked to the explosives supply chain was arrested in Gusau, while suspected collaborators and informants linked to a notorious terrorist kingpin were also apprehended.
In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued 13 victims abducted along the Alloma-Ejule Road in Kogi State.
The victims, comprising two men, five women and six children, were rescued during search and rescue operations across Ofu and Dekina LGAs.
