DHQ: Troops Rescue 50 Kidnap Victims, Apprehend Scores of Terrorists, Collaborators in One Week

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that Nigerian Armed Forces (AFN) troops rescued a staggering 50 kidnapped individuals and apprehended numerous terrorists, collaborators, and suspected kidnappers during a week-long offensive campaign across Nigeria between September 11 and 17, 2026. These operations resulted in the killing of multiple terrorists, the discovery of weaponry and ammunition, the removal of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the dismantling of illegal bunkering and secessionist activities.

During the week-long offensive, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that the security forces were effectively thwarting criminal syndicates from operating freely in all theatres of operation. In the North-east, Operation Hadin Kai troops captured six suspected members of a notorious kidnapping ring in Soktu Hill, Adamawa State.

The suspects admitted to kidnapping more than seven individuals and murdering those who failed to meet ransom demands. Troops also rescued 14 abductees in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, including the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town, Mallam Sadiq, who had been held captive for five months.

The troops liberated two minors who had been held captive for six months, along with a woman who had escaped a terrorist captor. Two family members were also rescued along the Gwoza-Limankara Road. Additionally, two repentant terrorists surrendered to troops with firearms and explosive devices in Borno State. In the North-west, Operation Fansan Yamma troops in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto States achieved several successes.

In Kebbi State, troops cleared terrorists in Gumki village near the Nigerian-Niger border, neutralizing several terrorists and recovering a machine gun, a rifle, ammunition, and four motorcycles. Two terrorists were killed in Katsina State during an interception of a group planning an attack.

Rescue missions were also conducted in Katsina State, where 10 kidnappings were thwarted, including three men, seven women, and a child in Unguwan Rimi Village. Three additional kidnappings were rescued in Kaduna State. Throughout Operation Savannah Shield in the North-central, troops eliminated five terrorists in Kwara and Niger States, recovering firearms and ammunition.

At Muchiya Village in Niger State, troops rescued 22 kidnapped individuals and defused 12 IEDs along major supply routes. Four suspects were arrested in Niger State, collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force and local security groups.