Troops Neutralise 8 Terrorists, Rescue 30 Kidnap Victims Across Nigeria

Army headquarters reviews troops combat readiness

Troops Neutralise 8 Terrorists, Rescue 30 Kidnap Victims Across Nigeria

Nigerian Army troops have neutralised eight terrorists and rescued 30 kidnapped victims, including 15 National Youth Service Corps members, in coordinated operations across Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Kogi, and Katsina states between 31 August and 1 September 2026.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised eight terrorists, rescued 30 kidnapped victims and recovered several weapons in coordinated operations across multiple states between August 31 and September 1, 2026, according to a military operational update made available to newsmen on Wednesday .

The operations spanned multiple theatres across the country, with troops conducting intelligence-led raids, clearance operations and rescue missions targeting terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements. The military said the latest operations underscored its continued reliance on intelligence, joint operations and sustained offensive action to disrupt terrorists, kidnappers, criminal networks and economic saboteurs across the country .

In Borno State, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, neutralised a terrorist after fighting through an ambush involving a concealed improvised explosive device at Miyanti-Banki Junction, Bama Local Government Area . Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and an IED initiator during the encounter . The engagement, however, resulted in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries and a military gun truck was damaged .

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In Yobe State, troops of 120 Task Force Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised another terrorist at Lamusuri, Gujba Local Government Area . Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a body pouch after the encounter . The military also recorded aerial success in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno, where an air strike neutralised three terrorists and destroyed structures used as hideouts .

In Bauchi State, troops of 211 Demonstration Battalion, Operation MESA, neutralised two terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims from Makodi Gwamnare Forest in Ningi Local Government Area . Troops recovered eight mobile phones and N1.48 million from the terrorists, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families .

In Kogi State, troops of 21 Battalion, working with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and local hunters, rescued 21 victims abandoned by fleeing kidnappers . The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from Egume-Ochaja Forest in Dekina Local Government Area . The operation followed reports of the mass abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis . Acting on credible intelligence, the joint team successfully located and rescued all 21 victims during the operation .

Fifteen of the rescued victims were National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who had been abducted while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State . The corps members, whose identities have not been disclosed, were reportedly on their way to their places of primary assignment when they were intercepted by kidnappers . One male victim who sustained a gunshot wound during the operation was stabilised at a military medical facility .

President Bola Tinubu confirmed the rescue in a statement on his verified X handle, expressing relief and vowing that “those responsible will face the full weight of the law” . The President said: “While the abductees have been safely rescued, our gallant security forces are still on the trail of the routed kidnappers, in line with my directive to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements” . He commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication to duty .

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Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo also commended President Tinubu and the security agencies for their response to the incident, stating that “criminals will always regret stepping their feet on Kogi State” . The governor praised the collaborative efforts of the military, police and other security agencies in ensuring the safe return of the victims .

In Katsina State, troops of 17 Brigade and an Office of the National Security Adviser tactical team neutralised two terrorists and destroyed two motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Kogo Village, Matazu Local Government Area .

In Zamfara, troops responding to intelligence on cattle rustling were ambushed at Bude Village, Bungudu Local Government Area, but fought through and forced the terrorists to abandon the rustled cattle . In Plateau, troops arrested four suspected criminals and recovered a locally fabricated firearm, three motorcycles, a cutlass and a knife at Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area .

In Delta, troops intercepted a trailer conveying illegally mined ilmenite and arrested two suspects along the Bomadi-Oro Junction road . In Rivers, troops engaged armed oil thieves involved in pipeline vandalism at Oboburu community, forcing the suspects to flee, while one suspect sustained gunshot wounds . Troops also discovered an illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, recovering equipment and about 40 litres of stolen crude oil .

The latest successes are part of a wider military campaign that has recorded significant achievements throughout August and September 2026 . The Defence Headquarters had earlier reported that troops eliminated 324 terrorists and criminals, arrested 373 suspects, and rescued 610 kidnap victims across the country during August 2026 . The military also recorded the surrender of 201 insurgents and recovered 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition during that period .

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the month was characterised by coordinated land, air and maritime operations focused on degrading terrorists’ and criminal groups’ capabilities . He noted that the military would continue to sustain the momentum until all threats to national security were eliminated .

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, has restated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s objection to negotiation with, and payment of ransom to terrorists . “The Nigerian Armed Forces do not negotiate with terrorists. We also do not support the payment of any ransom. These are very categorical statements that I want us to take home,” Uba said . He added: “The major responsibility of the military is kinetic operations. As much as possible, we want to take down all the terrorists in Nigeria, or anybody who takes up arms against citizens in Nigeria. That is our major responsibility” .