Spread the word
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has rescued over 70 kidnapped victims, arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and apprehended gunrunners.
The military high command said troops also disrupted several criminal networks across the country in sustained military operations between October 15 and 22, 2026.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
According to him, the operations, conducted across the six geopolitical zones, also led to the arrest of five members of a criminal syndicate responsible for abducting prospective corps members in Imo state, while troops recovered N10 million suspected to be ransom payment in Kano state.
Onoja said other major breakthroughs recorded during the week were the rescue of 27 villagers abducted in Gamji community, Katsina state, and 29 residents who fled terrorists attempting to abduct farmers in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger state.
According to him, the military also rescued kidnapped passengers, farmers, herders and other civilians in separate operations across Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and other states, while several terrorists, kidnappers and their collaborators were arrested or neutralised.
He said the operations reflected the determination of the Armed Forces to deny terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners and other criminal elements freedom of action.
According to him, troops also recovered arms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment and other items used by criminal networks.
Onoja said the operations had further weakened terrorist and kidnapping networks, while sustained pressure had forced several fighters and their family members to surrender in the North East.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive operations in Borno and Yobe States, recording the recovery of weapons and ammunition following clearance operations around Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The operations, conducted between October 16 and 18, led to the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle,” he said.
The military also disclosed that 19 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno State between October 16 and 22.
According to the him, the individuals cited hunger, hardship and violent clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for fleeing their camps.
Troops also arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators in Borno and Yobe States, including individuals allegedly involved in supplying clothing materials for terrorist uniforms.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant breakthroughs against terrorists and kidnappers in Sokoto, Katsina and Kano States.
The DHQ said troops rescued 27 villagers, comprising 15 men and 12 women, after responding to a distress call from Gamji community in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State on October 16.
The victims had been abducted by terrorists, but troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the village head after profiling, while the military said several terrorists sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Spread the word