Troops Rescue 10 Corps Members, Rescue over 600 Kidnapped Victims in August- DHQ
Ten National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by suspected kidnappers have been rescued from Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the Defence Headquarters has said.
The operation was still ongoing, with security forces working to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the suspects.
Director of the Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja while briefing the press Monday In Abuja said members of the public are urged to remain calm and vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movement or information that could help rescue the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators,”
The victims were among 15 corps members kidnapped last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.
The kidnappers were reportedly demanding N20 million from the families of some of the victims as ransom.
Meanwhile, the Military high Command has said operational record for the month of August stands as compelling testimony to the sustained resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria(AFN) to ensure a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace to thrive in our country.
General Onoja Over 324 terrorists and criminals were neutralized this month, with 373 terrorist/criminals arrested and 610 kidnap victims rescued.
Additionally, 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2077 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft has continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs which yielded the recovered of 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 21 illegal refining sites.
On the whole, the AFN has significantly degraded the capabilities of criminals and terrorists across the nation. (The bar chart provides a comparative overview of the operational successes recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria from June to August 2026, highlighting the fluctuations and overall progress across key operational indicators.
The pie chart shows a mixed operational trend from June to August 2026, with most indicators recording a decline in July followed by a significant recovery in August. The number of bandits/criminals killed or neutralised declined by 20.9% in July but rose sharply by 217.6% in August, while arrests fell by 29.0% in July before increasing by 8.1% in August.
Civilians rescued similarly declined by 27.5% in July but increased substantially by 55.2% in August. In contrast, surrendered terrorists recorded a consistent and remarkable increase, rising from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, indicating growing pressure on hostile elements and possible willingness to abandon terrorism.
Arms and ammunition recoveries declined considerably in July but rebounded in August, while crude oil recovery fell by 18.8% in July before surging by 174.2% in August. Overall, the August figures demonstrate a marked improvement in operational effectiveness, reflecting intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, enhanced intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, increased pressure on criminal and terrorist networks, and strengthened efforts to protect civilians and critical national assets).
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commends the gallantry, discipline, resilience and unrelenting resolve of troops across all theatres of operation for the successes recorded during the reporting period. He recognises the sacrifices made by personnel in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal and secessionist networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting the nation’s critical assets.
The CDS also sympathises with the families of civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the period and wishes injured personnel and other victims a speedy recovery. He commends the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, local security groups and other security agencies and stakeholders for the operational synergy that continues to produce tangible results.
The CDS further appreciates traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public whose credible information and cooperation continue to strengthen the security architecture and assist troops in preventing and responding to threats.
The CDS also appreciates the media for its continued professionalism, responsible and balanced reportage of military operations, and urges sustained partnership in keeping the public appropriately informed while safeguarding operational security.
In a related demonstration of public appreciation for the nation’s security forces, the CDS acknowledges the recent gesture by Air Peace, during which its staff and passengers accorded Nigerian military personnel a spontaneous standing ovation while boarding a flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The gesture followed a directive by the airline’s Chairman, Mr Allen Onyema, that military and police personnel be accorded priority boarding and applauded in recognition of their service and sacrifices. The CDS sincerely and profoundly appreciates this heartfelt expression of goodwill and encourages other corporate organisations, institutions and citizens to support and recognise those who continue to stand in the defence of our dear nation, Nigeria.
The AFN reassures all Nigerians that it remains resolute in sustaining the current operational tempo, protecting lives and property, defending the nation’s territorial integrity and working with all relevant stakeholders until peace, stability and security are firmly consolidated across the country. The general public is encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193. Please be assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
