Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria rescued 363 kidnapped victims and neutralised 69 terrorists in a single week of sustained land, air and sea offensives across the country's operational theatres. Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Abuja, while providing a weekly update on ongoing military operations. He also confirmed that 49 suspects were arrested, three reactivated illegal refinery sites were dismantled, and 251,600 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered during the period under review.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 35 victims, including women and children, and arrested suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers during clearance and interdiction operations. On July 31, 2026, troops foiled an attempted abduction along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, pursuing fleeing terrorists towards Mangari-Dora and rescuing 31 persons comprising 22 adult males, five adult females and four children. Four vehicles and one motorcycle belonging to the terrorists were also confiscated. On August 1, 2026, troops on routine clearance patrol near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA of Borno State rescued two women and two children who had been held captive since the 2023 farming season at a terrorist enclave; the victims were subsequently handed over to the community head of Ngoshe.
Between August 2 and August 4, several family members of suspected terrorists surrendered to troops in Gwoza, Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State, while a group of 20 persons surrendered at Kwuari in Konduga LGA. On August 3, troops arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Monguno LGA, recovering assorted foodstuffs and provisions destined for terrorists in Kukawa LGA. Another logistics supplier was arrested at Gwalaram Village in Magumeri LGA on August 4. Also on August 3, troops rescued Miss Blessing Tuggur, an 18-year-old victim abducted in November 2025 at Dogoba Kopre axis in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State; she was reunited with her family after receiving medical attention. On the same day, a suspect was arrested at Kan Lamba village in Darazo LGA of Bauchi State for allegedly attempting to procure firearms, while a suspected terrorist informant was arrested at Dzangola Kilba in Hong LGA of Adamawa State on August 5.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA on August 2 responded to the movement of suspected terrorists transiting through Giwa LGA of Kaduna State from Hadeija. Following a snap operation, troops intercepted and arrested 21 persons attempting to cross into Birnin Kebbi; upon profiling, five suspects were identified as terrorists and handed over to the Department of State Services, while the remaining passengers were released. On August 6, troops arrested four suspects at Darusa Village Market in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering six rustled cattle, mobile phones and ₦165,000. The Air Component of the operation also conducted a precision strike on terrorists gathered with about 15 motorcycles at Kampani Bobi and Beri Settlement in Mariga, Niger.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued nine kidnapped victims and arrested suspected criminals, including a suspected gun runner. Seven victims abducted along the Wukari-Zaki-Biam Road were rescued in Ukum, Benue, while two others were rescued during a separate kidnap incident at Oke Ere in Yagba West, Kogi. Troops also arrested suspected associates of wanted terrorist leader, Mathew, popularly known as "Full Fire", after destroying his hideout at Sabongida Leke in Ukum. The troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded the largest single rescue operation during the period, freeing 308 abducted persons in Kainji Lake National Park, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger. The victims comprised 163 indigenes of Woro in Kwara State and 145 persons from Niger State, with women and children constituting the majority. Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara, during the ongoing operations.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 11 kidnapped victims along the Lagos-Benin Road in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, while troops also discovered and dismantled three reactivated illegal refinery sites, destroyed 12 dug-out pits for storage, and recovered 251,600 litres of stolen crude oil. The operations, however, came at a cost, as one soldier was killed in action while another sustained injury. The Defence Headquarters has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the momentum of operations across all theatres until criminal elements are completely degraded and peace is restored to troubled communities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments