Breaking: Troops Rescue 42 Victims, Kill 8 Terrorists, Arrest 18

Troops of the Nigerian military, in coordination with other security agencies, have rescued 42 kidnapped victims, neutralised 8 terrorists and arrested 28 others during several encounters at the theatres of operation in the past one week.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, while making this known at the weekend, disclosed that troops also discovered and dismantled 2 Illegal crude oil refining sites in the Niger Delta.

Detailing the offensives, Onoja said, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai on 10 July 2026 took custody of four family members of terrorists who surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA, Borno State, having escaped from Kunde near the Mandara Mountains.

“On the same date, troops arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier named Mohammed Goni at the Molai entrance gate in Jere LGA of Borno State.

“On 11 July 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator named Janyu Alhaji Mamman in Monguno town, Monguno LGA of Borno State, following the confessions of a suspect in custody of own troops.

“Between 12 – 13 July 2026, a total of six family members of terrorists surrendered to troops deployed in Pulka, Gwoza and along Gwoza-Limankara road.

“Furthermore, on 13 July 2026, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics supplier at a checkpoint along the Mandaragirau-Biu road in Biu LGA of Borno State.

“Troops also arrested a suspected foreign spy, Abubakar Mohammed Zen, at Mallam Fatori in Abadam LGA of Borno State, who claimed to be a citizen of the Niger Republic.

“On 15 July 2026, troops intercepted two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers on Kauji Road in Damboa LGA of Borno State.

“Also, on 15 July 2026, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier named Ali Umar in Gubio town, Gubio LGA of Borno State. The suspect confessed to supplying terrorists with petroleum products.

“On 10 July 2026, troops countered terrorists’ infiltration attempts into Muna Garage, Shuwari village and the Ajilari axis in Jere LGA of Borno State; a follow-up exploitation on the same day led to the discovery of one terrorist’s corpse.

“The same day, troops rescued a kidnap victim named Usman Hassan in Kukawa and reunited him with his family. The victim had been abducted in Bauchi State in April 2026.

“Another kidnap victim named Aisha Mohammed was also rescued in the same circumstance, while on 11 July 2026, troops rescued 2 civilians around Armuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA of Borno State and handed them to the Ngoshe community head.

“On 15 July 2026, troops rescued four women and five children near Armuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. All the rescued victims were treated for minor injuries by the military medical teams before being handed over to the Ngoshe community head.

“In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma on 11 July 2026, intercepted a suspected terrorists’ collaborator transiting from Dunfami village to Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara State.

‘On 12 July 2026, troops arrested a terrorist collaborator at Sakajiki village in Kaura Namoda LGA, Zamfara State and recovered one motorcycle in his possession.

“On 13 July 2026, troops countered a terrorist attack at Mokurata village in Danko Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State and neutralised two terrorists.

“On 14 July 2026, troops engaged terrorists who had infiltrated Bukkuyum town, Zamfara State and neutralised one terrorist. Same day, troops rescued eight civilian hostages and recovered two vehicles following an attack on commuters at Ungwan Rogo village in Kaura Namoda LGA, Zamfara State.

“They also rescued five abducted victims from a terrorists’ camp near Tungan Kudaduku village in Anka LGA, Zamfara State.

“On 15 July 2026, troops rescued Mahadi Haruna, who had been abducted from his father’s farm at Barza village in Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State, and reunited him with his family unhurt.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation Savanna Shield on 15 July 2026 on routine night patrol were alerted to a kidnap incident at Agwan Tomato in Tafa LGA, Niger State, where two victims had been kidnapped. Troops immediately pursued the assailants and rescued the two kidnap victims.

“On 16 July 2026, the Kwara State Forest Guards Station in Isin LGA of Kwara State received credible intelligence that suspected terrorists were observed at the outskirts of Owa-Onire community in Isin LGA. Forest Guard operatives launched a coordinated attack, rescuing two children resident in Oke Oba village and neutralising one terrorist; one AK-47 rifle, ten magazines and one Dane gun were recovered.

“The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while the recovered equipment has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).

“Troops of Operation Enduring Peace on 13 July 2026 intercepted a vehicle suspected to be conveying arms at Samaru checkpoint in Zangon-Kataf LGA, Kaduna State.

“Troops arrested one suspect while another was shot and wounded in an attempt to flee, but was later conveyed to a hospital for treatment.

“Items recovered from the engagement include three locally fabricated rifles and four submachine guns, allegedly supplied by arms dealers in Plateau State for onward transportation to Niger State.

“On 14 July 2026, troops arrested a wanted suspect named Abdulrazaq Mohammed at Rafiki village in Bassa LGA, Plateau State, linked to attacks and killings of residents in Sabon Gida and Twin Hill.

“On 14 July 2026, troops responded to a report of a highway blockade by suspected kidnappers along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom LGA, Plateau State.

“The efficient response led to the rescue of two kidnap victims from the surrounding bushes and the subsequent release of two other abductees, who were later rescued. Efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers is ongoing.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke on 12 July 2026, arrested a suspected ammunition courier named Umar Shehu, along the Keffi-Abuja road in Karu LGA, Nasarawa State and recovered 60 rounds of ammunition.

“Same day, troops arrested four suspected terrorist collaborators at Kabba, Kabba-Bunu LGA, Kogi State.

“On 14 July 2026, troops responded to a kidnapping incident at Azendachi community in Ukum LGA, Benue State and engaged the assailants.

“Belatedly, on 14 July 2026, local hunters arrested a suspected terrorist at Idofin in Yagba East LGA, Kogi State, who was subsequently handed over to troops for further investigation.

“On 16 July 2026, troops successfully rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, and two students who were abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina LGA of Kogi State.

“The victims were freed following sustained pressure mounted by security agencies, which forced the kidnappers to abandon them. The rescued victims are reported to be in stable condition and are undergoing debriefing and medical evaluation.

“In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other economic sabotage activities in the Niger Delta.

“On 11 July 2026, troops discovered an illegal refining site containing stolen crude oil within Ogbogolo community in Ahoada East LGA, Rivers State.

“On 13 July 2026, troops discovered another illegal refining site at the same location, containing stolen crude oil estimated at 1,400 litres and equipment used for the illegal refining of crude oil.

“Following a kidnap incident at Ambrose Alli University on 13 July 2026, troops conducted a search operation on 14 July 2026 targeting the suspected kidnappers’ hideout between Era Primary Health Care Centre and Olelo Community in Esan West LGA, Edo State.

“During the operation, one kidnapper was neutralised and another wounded but later confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.

” Items recovered include three rifles and ammunition, while three abductees were rescued and later reunited with their families.

“In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka, on 12 July 2026, following the arrest of a suspected cult member and kidnapper, Vitalis Confidence, conducted a raid between 12 and 13 July 2026 at Ogbogoro community in Obiakpor LGA, Rivers State, recovered one assault rifle and 45 rounds of ammunition.

“On 14 July 2026, troops raided selected residences at Atan and Uhuru villages in Arochukwu LGA, Abia State, arrested two suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group and recovered a pump-action gun and cartridges.

“On 14 July 2026, troops on checkpoint duty along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway at Asa Community in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State, intercepted a truck whose driver had been shot and abandoned by kidnappers attempting to divert two abducted victims and the vehicle to Rivers State.

“The troops recovered the truck and a locally made pistol, as well as successfully rescued the two abducted victims.”

Furthermore, Major Gen Onoja said, “The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commends the professionalism and unwavering commitment of troops across all theatres of Operation for the successes recorded during the period.

“The CDS also specially commends troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies for the exemplary, intelligence-led synergy that culminated, on 10 July 2026, in the unconditional and safe rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State on 15 May 2026, after 56 days in captivity.

“The CDS notes with satisfaction that the operation was achieved without any concession to the abductors, and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the course of the tragic incident.

“The AFN calls on all citizens to continue to support troops and other security agencies with timely and credible information. The Defence Headquarters assures Nigerians that the momentum of ongoing operations across all theatres will be sustained until peace, security and stability are fully restored nationwide.”