Troops Neutralise 27 Terrorists, Rescue Hostages in Nationwide Operations

The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across various parts of the country, neutralising 27 terrorists, arresting 10 suspected criminals, rescuing eight kidnapped victims and recovering weapons, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other logistics in coordinated operations conducted within the last 48 hours.

The military disclosed that the operations, driven by credible intelligence and executed through joint land and air efforts, were carried out in Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa and Akwa Ibom states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the Army, the operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, combat kidnapping and weaken the operational capabilities of criminal elements threatening national security.

In the North-East, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precision air strikes against terrorist enclaves in the Tumbuns area of Borno State. Battle damage assessments and intelligence reports confirmed that 27 insurgents were killed during the operations.

Military authorities said 12 terrorists were neutralised in an air strike on Dawoshe community in Kukawa Local Government Area, while another 15 were eliminated during a separate operation at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area.

Ground troops operating in Borno State also arrested a suspected terrorist along the Mandara-Girau-Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area. Recovered from the suspect were food supplies, communication gadgets, blankets, herbicides and batteries believed to be intended for insurgent groups.

In a separate operation near Kareto, troops successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued six civilians, comprising three men and three women, without any injuries.

In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a raid in Bokkos Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect included ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop computer, a mobile phone and military-style clothing.

Security forces also apprehended four suspected criminals in Jos South Local Government Area. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition.

In Nasarawa State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims after their captors fled upon sighting advancing security personnel. Subsequent operations, aided by intelligence obtained from an arrested suspect, led to the discovery of a criminal hideout.

Recovered items from the hideout included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, as well as ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.

Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on actionable intelligence intercepted two suspected carjackers along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway and recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 vehicle.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly stolen the vehicle in Abuja and were attempting to transport it out of the city for sale.

In the South-South region, troops engaged in anti-crude oil theft operations recovered about 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in sacks in a bush within Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The recovered products have since been handed over to relevant authorities.

The Nigerian Army said the achievements underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and joint military operations in degrading terrorist and criminal networks across the country.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and ensuring the safety of citizens.

It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, describing intelligence provided by citizens as a critical force multiplier in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and national security.

Troops Neutralise 27 Terrorists, Rescue Hostages in Nationwide Operations

Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a dismissed police officer, Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, over alleged involvement in a high-profile arms trafficking network operating across state lines in Plateau State.

The arrest was carried out on Sunday at the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace.

According to a military statement obtained by Politics Nigeria, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms within Plateau State and neighbouring regions.

“Acting swiftly, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation Enduring Peace, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026,” the statement said.

The suspect was reportedly intercepted while travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis. He was placed under surveillance before being stopped at a military checkpoint.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, and a jack knife.

Other items recovered from the suspect included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs showing him in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and ₦73,300 in cash.

Preliminary findings identified the suspect as a former officer of the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had been officially dismissed from service.

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“Further intelligence indicates that the suspect is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement added.

Military authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation aimed at uncovering members of his network, including possible collaborators, financiers, and supply routes.

The operation, according to the Army, represents a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking activities and demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations in the region.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated efforts with other security agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and combat violent crimes across the country.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-crime operations and enhance security nationwide.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

The Katsina State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine passengers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina–Kankara Road in Katsina State.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., when suspected armed bandits blocked the highway at Tashar Kanya village in Kankara Local Government Area.

According to him, the attackers intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III Saloon with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by a 40-year-old man identified as Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.”

The vehicle was reportedly conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the armed men stopped it and abducted all occupants.

Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara mobilised a tactical team, including operatives of the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Due to the team’s superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, the hoodlums were forced to flee the scene,” the statement said.

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During a sweep of the area after the encounter, police operatives rescued nine victims unhurt.

The rescued persons were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim (28), Rakkiya Ya’u (30), Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud (18), Jumai Majarazu (20), Salamatu Adamu (30), Yusuf Halliru (17), Harira Hamisu (25), Umma Kabir (17), and Nusaiba Maharazu (3).

However, two persons — the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari,” and a passenger, Buhari Kabir — were still unaccounted for at the time of the report. Authorities said a search-and-rescue operation was ongoing to locate them and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Aliyu Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift response and bravery during the operation.

He also reassured residents that the command remains committed to intensifying security operations aimed at clearing criminal elements from highways and rural communities across the state.

Katsina State has continued to experience recurring cases of banditry and highway kidnappings, prompting increased patrols and tactical deployments along major travel routes.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as search operations continue.

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road