The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria rescued 70 kidnapped victims and recovered N10 million in suspected ransom payments during coordinated operations conducted across the country between October 15 and 22, 2026.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the achievement during the military’s weekly operational briefing in Abuja.
According to him, the operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks, rescue abducted persons and deny terrorists and kidnappers freedom of movement.
Major Rescues Recorded
Onoja said troops rescued 27 villagers from Gamji in Katsina State and 29 farmers from Mariga in Niger State, among other victims freed during security operations.
The military also recovered N10 million suspected to be ransom proceeds in Kano State and arrested a wanted terrorist leader in Mokwa, Niger State.
Security forces further apprehended five members of a syndicate linked to the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.
Counter-Terrorism Operations Continue
In the North-East, troops sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups in Borno and Yobe states.
Following a terrorist attack on a military position in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, troops launched clearance operations that led to the recovery of significant arms and ammunition.
Items recovered included eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, rocket-propelled grenade bombs, chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle.
The military also intercepted escaped kidnap victims in Kukawa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno State.
Arrests and Surrenders
Onoja disclosed that several suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers were arrested during operations in Borno and Yobe states.
Between October 16 and 22, a total of 19 terrorist fighters and their family members either surrendered or were intercepted by troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas.
According to the military, many of those who surrendered cited hunger, hardship and violent clashes among terrorist factions as reasons for fleeing their camps.
Commending troops for their efforts, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised personnel for the successful rescue missions, recovery of ransom funds and sustained pressure on terrorist groups.
He said the achievements demonstrated that terrorists and criminal elements were increasingly being weakened by ongoing military operations across the country.
