Insecurity: Troops rescue 10 kidnap victims, arrest seven suspects, neutralise one terrorist

By Kingsley Omonobi

Troops conducting fighting patrols and clearance operations across various theatres of operation have rescued 10 kidnapped victims, arrested seven suspected terrorists and criminal collaborators, and neutralised one terrorist in the past week.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday, saying nationwide operations conducted between June 30 and July 3, 2026, also recorded the surrender of seven terrorists and their family members, alongside the recovery of arms, ammunition and other logistics.

According to Onoja, the operations achieved significant successes in countering terrorist attacks, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering weapons and encouraging the continued surrender of terrorists due to sustained military pressure.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, on June 30, arrested three suspected logistics suppliers and terrorist collaborators at a checkpoint along the Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala Main Supply Route in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspects were intercepted while transporting assorted items believed to be destined for terrorist enclaves in a pickup vehicle and have been handed over for further investigation.

On the same day, terrorists attacked Kurnari community in Buratai District of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops responded swiftly, repelled the attack and recovered a hand-held radio, locally made explosives, ammunition and other items abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

Onoja also said the wave of terrorist surrenders continued as the wife of a terrorist and her five children surrendered to troops in Monguno on June 30, while another suspected terrorist surrendered in Mobbar Local Government Area on July 1 after fleeing a terrorist camp in the Lake Chad region, citing harsh living conditions.

The surrendered individuals are undergoing profiling and further processing.

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued a female kidnap victim during an ambush operation around Kaso, near River Shuwaka, in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on July 1.

The victim had been abducted on June 29 around Gora village in Chikun Local Government Area. Troops also recovered a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the fleeing kidnappers and have continued operations to secure the area.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with other security agencies, raided a suspected gun-running hideout at Kwatan Nanido village in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State on June 30, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, although no arrests were made.

On June 29, troops stationed at Angwan Makama in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State rescued three kidnap victims, including a soldier abducted along the Akwanga-Gwatu Road. The soldier has since rejoined his unit, while the civilian victims have been reunited with their families.

In separate operations on June 30, troops responded to distress calls around Jotar village in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State and along the Okene-Magongo Road in Kogi State, rescuing six kidnapped persons, including four women. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.

In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested two suspected kidnappers during a routine patrol around BJ Hotels in Ibillo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier made enquiries about the frequency of military patrols around the hotel, raising suspicion of a reconnaissance mission. They have been handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka dismantled criminal networks across Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Imo states.

On June 29, troops acting on credible intelligence engaged suspected members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN along a footpath near Mother Valley in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. One suspect was neutralised during the gun battle, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

On July 1, troops acting on intelligence from a local vigilante group raided Umuakpara village in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State in an attempt to arrest a suspected cultist. Although the suspect escaped, troops recovered a locally made pistol abandoned at the scene.

The same day, troops raided the Akpe Aggah-Egbema Forest axis in Imo State and arrested a suspected armourer and logistics courier believed to be supplying weapons to criminal elements operating in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

Recovered items included assault rifles, magazines and a large quantity of ammunition.

Similarly, troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN member and gunrunner during a raid in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State on June 30.

Items recovered included assorted ammunition, pump-action guns, a pistol, vehicle number plates, materials suspected to be used in fabricating improvised explosive devices and other exhibits.

The Defence Headquarters said all suspects and recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops across all theatres of operation for their gallantry and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining operations until terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities are decisively defeated.

Oluyede said the latest operational successes demonstrate the effectiveness of the military’s multi-theatre strategy in addressing the country’s security challenges and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence.

He also commended other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their continued collaboration with troops, describing the partnership as vital to sustaining the gains recorded across the various theatres of operation.

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