Military Kills Scores of Terrorists, Rescues Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations

The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have killed scores of terrorists, arrested suspected criminal collaborators and rescued several kidnapped victims during coordinated military operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The military said the operations, conducted between October 30 and November 5, 2026, targeted terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, gunrunners and other criminal networks operating in different parts of the country.

According to a statement issued on November 6 by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military sustained its offensive operations to weaken criminal groups, disrupt their supply networks and improve security nationwide.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled terrorist attacks in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, and Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military disclosed that following an attempted terrorist attack on Buni Yadi from the Timbuktu Triangle axis, troops launched a counteroffensive that resulted in the recovery of 48 terrorist bodies, 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.

Further operations around Apama and Jauro Bashir led to the recovery of three additional terrorist bodies, an AK-47 rifle and 188 rounds of ammunition.

At Bitta, troops also repelled an attempted infiltration of their position, recovering seven terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.

The Defence Headquarters added that 12 terrorists and their family members surrendered at different locations in Borno State between November 2 and 4. Some reportedly cited increased military pressure and disagreements between rival JAS and ISWAP factions as reasons for their surrender.

Troops also rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued several kidnapped victims during operations across Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna and other states.

In Kebbi State, soldiers responding to a distress call around Ribah in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area forced kidnappers to abandon seven captives.

Four additional victims abducted from their farms were rescued after troops repelled an ambush along Wasagu-Falfala Road.

Further search-and-rescue operations on November 3 led to the rescue of seven kidnapped persons from Sabon Tunga and Binoni communities in Kebbi State.

Meanwhile, troops arrested two suspects linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in Sabon Gida, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A suspected terrorist who reportedly sought medical treatment for gunshot wounds at a clinic in Kagarko Local Government Area was also arrested with the assistance of the Department of State Services.

In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted a suspected terrorist during a stop-and-search operation at Kukawa Village in Kanam Local Government Area.

The suspect was reportedly found with an AK-47 magazine and a round of 7.62mm special ammunition, with preliminary investigations allegedly linking him to a criminal syndicate.

Across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensified operations against armed gangs and kidnapping networks.

A raid on a criminal hideout in Edimogbo Forest on November 2 led to the recovery of 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles and a mobile phone.

The military said two suspected kidnappers were subsequently neutralised during another encounter, with troops recovering two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

Further operations at Obele Forest on November 4 resulted in the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of ammunition and three bandoliers.

In Taraba State, troops responding to a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area rescued six civilians, including a baby.

The military also reported the arrest of a suspected member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Takum Local Government Area.

In Kogi State, a suspected terrorist, alongside his wife and two children, surrendered at Atsawa in Lokoja Local Government Area, bringing an AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition and a radio.

Troops also arrested a suspected logistics supplier accused of providing support to terrorists operating in Agbaja Forest, while a suspected gunrunner was apprehended in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

In Kwara State, troops working with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria ambushed suspected Ansaru terrorists at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area on November 4, neutralising two of them.

Another operation in Niger State led to the arrest of an injured suspected kidnapper at Dusai Village in Mariga Local Government Area.

Troops also rescued three people who escaped from their captors in Lema-Ndeji Forest, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on criminal elements, recording successes in Abia and Anambra states.

In Abia State, soldiers rescued a kidnapping victim following an attack by gunmen on a compound at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area on November 4.

In Anambra State, a search of a shop near the Marine Outpost at Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area, uncovered a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges allegedly concealed for criminal activities.

The Defence Headquarters said the nationwide operations demonstrated the military’s determination to dismantle criminal networks, protect citizens and restore lasting peace across the country.

It noted that the successes recorded in Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states, among others, reflected the impact of sustained military pressure on criminal groups.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage and sacrifices.

He also paid tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives during the operations, while wishing wounded personnel a speedy recovery and acknowledging the contributions of other security agencies.

Oluyede called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to consolidate the gains recorded.

He urged Nigerians to provide credible information about suspicious activities through the nearest military formation or the toll-free emergency number 193.

The Defence Chief further warned against supplying criminals with logistics, engaging in mob action or spreading misinformation, while directing troops to remain disciplined, vigilant and combat-ready.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations until peace, security and stability are restored across Nigeria.