Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces rescued more than 66 kidnapped and abducted victims, neutralised 12 terrorists and arrested more than 34 suspected collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers during military operations conducted across the country between September 10 and 17, 2026.
The figures were disclosed on Saturday, September 19, by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, during an operational update on the activities of troops across Nigeria’s various security theatres.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operations also resulted in the recovery of weapons and ammunition, the disruption of terrorist support networks and the safe clearance of 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along roads in Niger and Kwara states.
Troops Rescue 22 Kidnap Victims in Niger
One of the largest rescue operations recorded during the period took place in Niger State.
The Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation Savannah Shield engaged terrorists at Muchiya Village in Rafi Local Government Area on September 15, forcing the attackers to abandon 22 kidnapped victims.
The victims were subsequently rescued and reunited with their families.
The troops also recovered three motorcycles during the operation.
Earlier, on September 14, soldiers operating in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State engaged terrorists during a patrol from Dekara towards Gidan Zana and Sabon Gida. Two terrorists were reportedly neutralised and a machine gun with ammunition was recovered.
At the Kpada/Lade District border in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, troops on September 12 reportedly neutralised three terrorists and recovered firearms.
The military also said 35 rustled cattle recovered during that operation were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
Twelve IEDs Cleared in Niger and Kwara
The nationwide operation also included efforts to remove explosive devices planted along major routes.
According to the Defence Headquarters, troops carried out IED clearance operations in Borgu and Kaiama local government areas between September 12 and 17.
Twelve devices were reportedly safely defused, including nine found along a main supply route between Machan-Gyada and Masaka villages.
The military said the affected roads were subsequently declared safe for vehicular movement.
The clearance operations are significant because IEDs can restrict movement, threaten civilians and security personnel, and disrupt transportation along important road corridors.
Military Arrests Suspected Terrorist Support Operatives
The military reported several arrests involving people suspected of providing support to terrorist networks.
On September 13, troops working with the Nigeria Police Force and local security groups arrested four suspects at Pissa in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The military said two of the suspects were allegedly impersonating military and police personnel. According to the Defence Headquarters account, the suspects told investigators they had been sent by terrorist leaders in Sokoto and Katsina states to gather information on troop positions and recover firearms.
In Kogi State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke received four suspects who had earlier been arrested and were identified by the military as suspected informants and logistics suppliers linked to terrorist activity around the Asinwe and Isanlu areas.
The military said two of the suspects were charcoal dealers accused of assisting terrorists with logistics, while others were allegedly involved in facilitating kidnappings and receiving portions of ransom payments.
These claims remain allegations made in the course of military investigations and would require due process to establish criminal responsibility.
More Rescues Recorded in Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto
Military operations in the North West also resulted in several rescues.
Troops rescued three kidnap victims at Danhonu 2 Community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
On September 15, soldiers rescued 10 abducted victims at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The group comprised three men, seven women and a child, according to the Defence Headquarters.
On the same day, troops encountered two victims and a child who had escaped from their captors along the Alikere-Yankara Road in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Another three kidnap victims were rescued at Gidan Gulbi Village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on September 17.
The military also reported the rescue of traders who had been abducted along the Ruwan Godiya-Mobai Road in Faskari.
Terrorist Networks Targeted in North West
Operation Fandan Yamma continued military activities across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The Defence Headquarters said troops conducted a clearance operation around Gumki village towards the Nigeria-Niger border in Arewa Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State on September 14.
Several terrorists were reportedly neutralised, while troops recovered a machine gun, a rifle, ammunition and four motorcycles.
In Katsina State, soldiers intercepted terrorists who had allegedly gathered to attack communities around Matazu and Karaduwa. Two terrorists were reported neutralised during the September 15 operation.
The military also reported the arrest of two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Dogon Dawa in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the two suspects had previously been placed on a counter-terrorism wanted list.
Additional arrests were reported in Danmusa and Matazu local government areas of Katsina State involving suspects described by the military as collaborators and informants linked to a terrorist network.
Fourteen Abductees Rescued in Borno
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out operations against terrorist and kidnapping networks in Borno and Adamawa states.
Between September 12 and 13, troops rescued 14 abductees around the Armuda and Gava areas of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Among those rescued was Mallam Sadiq, identified as the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town. The military said he had been abducted during an attack on the community on March 3, 2026.
Independent reporting on the Gwoza operation also identified members of Sadiq’s family among people who escaped terrorist captivity and were located by troops.
The military further reported the rescue of a woman who had escaped captivity after five months, together with two minors who had reportedly spent six months in captivity.
The operations highlight the continuing security challenges faced by communities along the Gwoza axis, where terrorist groups have used remote areas and mountainous terrain to hold abducted civilians.
Kidnap Syndicate Members Arrested in Adamawa
Troops also conducted operations against kidnapping networks in Adamawa State.
On September 13, soldiers raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.
Six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate were arrested.
The military alleged that the suspects had been involved in the abduction of more than seven people and in attacks against victims who failed to meet ransom demands.
The allegations will remain subject to investigation and any subsequent judicial process.
Operations Continue in Benue and Taraba
Security operations were also reported in parts of the North Central region.
In Benue State, troops responded to a distress call along the Anpkechi-Ogobia Road in Ohimini Local Government Area on September 14. An abandoned vehicle was recovered and one passenger was rescued.
The following day, soldiers arrested a suspect described by the military as the second-in-command to a wanted criminal gang leader at Abako Village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
In Taraba State, six suspects were intercepted along the Wukari-Makurdi Road on September 16, with ammunition reportedly recovered.
Troops conducting a cordon-and-search operation in forests in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State also discovered ammunition in locations suspected to have been used as terrorist hideouts.
Security Operations Extend to Southern Nigeria
The military’s operations were not limited to the northern theatres.
In Edo State, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested a suspected kidnapper along the Benin-Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area on September 12.
An AK-47 rifle and ammunition were reportedly recovered from the suspect.
In Imo State, troops of Operation Udoka dismantled an illegal crude oil bunkering site near Well Head 17/20 in Egbema West, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area.
The military said approximately 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil and structures associated with the operation were destroyed.
Troops also arrested a suspected secessionist IED fabrication specialist near Okigwe on September 14. The Defence Headquarters said the suspect was on a security watchlist and was arrested while allegedly travelling to obtain materials for IED production.
Military Records Surrenders and Weapons Recoveries
Alongside combat operations and arrests, the military reported several instances of terrorist fighters surrendering.
In Borno State, a person described by the military as a repentant terrorist surrendered at Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area on September 13 with an AK-47 rifle, a hand grenade and an IED.
Two other fighters from the Bula Daloye enclave reportedly surrendered in Bama Local Government Area on September 17 with three AK-47 rifles and other weapons.
The military also reported arrests of suspected collaborators and informants in several communities across Borno State.
Such arrests and surrenders form part of the military’s broader effort to disrupt not only armed groups but also the networks that provide them with information, supplies and operational support.
Defence Chief Commends Troops
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede commended personnel involved in the operations, according to Major General Onoja.
Oluyede also acknowledged the cooperation between the Armed Forces, other security agencies and local stakeholders.
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians, traditional institutions and community leaders to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
The military said sustained operations would continue across the country to restrict the activities of terrorist and criminal groups.
Why the Operations Matter
The latest figures provide a snapshot of the scale of military operations against terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats across Nigeria.
The reported rescue of more than 66 victims is particularly significant for families affected by abduction, while the arrests indicate an emphasis on disrupting the support structures that enable armed groups to operate.
The reported clearance of 12 IEDs also demonstrates the risks faced by civilians and security personnel using roads in affected areas.
At the same time, operational figures released by the military represent the Defence Headquarters’ account of events. Claims concerning the number of terrorists neutralised, the identities of suspects and their alleged roles are subject to the military’s reporting and, where applicable, further investigation or judicial proceedings.
Independent verification of every battlefield claim is not always possible, particularly in remote areas where fighting occurs.
What Happens Next
The Armed Forces are expected to maintain operations across the country’s major security theatres, with continued focus on terrorist formations, kidnapping networks, logistics suppliers and other support structures.
The military is also expected to continue patrols and clearance operations along vulnerable roads and communities where explosive devices and armed groups pose risks to civilians.
For communities affected by kidnapping and terrorism, the immediate priority remains the safe return of abducted persons and restoration of secure movement.
The Defence Headquarters has called for continued cooperation between communities and security agencies, particularly through the provision of credible information that can assist troops in identifying threats and responding before attacks occur.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Defence Headquarters, Nigeria — operational briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja
- Nigerian Armed Forces
- Vanguard
- Eagles FM
- Premium Times
- Zagazola Makama, for additional reporting on the Gwoza rescue operation
