The Nigerian Armed Forces have killed more than 50 suspected terrorists, arrested several criminal suspects and rescued dozens of kidnapped victims during coordinated operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in a statement issued on November 6 by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
According to the military, the operations were conducted between October 30 and November 5, 2026, targeting terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, gunrunners and other criminal groups.
In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI repelled terrorist attacks in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, and Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Following an attempted attack on Buni Yadi from the Timbuktu Triangle axis on October 29, soldiers launched a counteroffensive that resulted in the recovery of 48 terrorist bodies.
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The troops also recovered 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 another attempted attack, 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 military also reported the surrender of 12 terrorists and their family members 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 surrendering.
Additionally, soldiers rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains.
In the North-West, troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued several kidnapped persons in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna and other locations.
In Kebbi State, soldiers responding to a distress call around Ribah in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area forced kidnappers to abandon seven captives.
Four other victims abducted from their farms were rescued after troops repelled an ambush along the Wasagu-Falfala Road.
Another seven kidnapped persons were freed during search-and-rescue operations in Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages on November 3.
In Kaduna State, troops arrested two suspects linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in Sabon Gida, Chikun Local Government Area. A suspected terrorist receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at a clinic in Kagarko was also apprehended with assistance from the Department of State Services.
In Plateau State, soldiers intercepted a suspected terrorist during a stop-and-search operation at Kukawa Village in Kanam Local Government Area. He was reportedly found with an AK-47 magazine and a round of ammunition.
Across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, troops 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 ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles and a mobile phone.
Two suspected kidnappers were subsequently killed during another encounter, with troops recovering two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.
On November 4, soldiers raided Obele Forest, where three suspected kidnappers were killed. Four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of ammunition and three bandoliers were recovered.
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 arrested a suspected member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Takum Local Government Area.
In Kogi State, a suspected terrorist surrendered alongside his wife and two children at Atsawa, Lokoja Local Government Area, bringing an AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition and a radio.
Soldiers also arrested a suspected logistics supplier accused of providing materials to terrorists operating in Agbaja Forest, while a suspected gunrunner was apprehended in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
In Kwara State, troops and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria ambushed suspected Ansaru terrorists at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing two of them.
In Niger State, soldiers arrested an injured suspected kidnapper at Dusai Village in Mariga Local Government Area.
Three other persons who escaped from their captors in Lema-Ndeji Forest, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, were also rescued.
Meanwhile, troops under Operation UDO KA recorded successes in the South-East, rescuing a kidnapping victim in Abia State following an attack by gunmen on a compound at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area.
In Anambra State, soldiers searching a shop near the Marine Outpost at Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area, recovered a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges allegedly concealed for criminal activities.
The Defence Headquarters said the operations reflected the military’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, protecting residents and restoring security across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended the troops for their efforts and sacrifices. He also paid tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives during the operations.
He wished injured personnel a quick recovery and acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies.
Oluyede called for increased cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities to the nearest military formation or through the emergency number 193.
He also warned against providing logistical support to criminal groups, engaging in mob action and spreading false information.
The military reaffirmed its determination to sustain operations until lasting peace and security are achieved across the country.
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