Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have rescued more than 60 kidnapped victims and arrested 44 suspects during security operations across the country between September 18 and 24, 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing defence correspondents on ongoing military operations against terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and other security threats.
Onoja said a Nigerian Air Force jet disrupted the movement of terrorists transporting kidnapped victims around Bazama in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, forcing them to abandon their captives. More victims were subsequently rescued by ground troops in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Among those rescued were 17 victims along the Isa-Kwanar Isa axis in Sokoto, seven university students abducted along the Daye-Malumfashi road in Katsina, and five victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military also arrested suspected terrorists, kidnappers, informants, collaborators and arms traffickers in several states, while weapons and ammunition were recovered during some of the operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops and urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.
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