Nigerian troops have killed scores of terrorists, arrested suspected criminal collaborators and rescued several kidnapped persons, including a baby, during military operations across different parts of the country.
The operations, conducted between October 30 and November 5, 2026, targeted terrorist camps, kidnapping networks, gunrunners and other criminal groups in several states.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, disclosed the development while providing an update on the military’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major successes after repelling attacks on military positions in Borno and Yobe states.
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During an encounter around Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, soldiers reportedly killed 48 terrorists who attempted to attack their position.
The troops recovered 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.
Another encounter occurred at Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, where soldiers repelled an attempted terrorist attack.
Following the operation, troops recovered the bodies of seven terrorists, four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.
The military also received several surrendered terrorists and their family members, rescued an abducted woman who escaped from the Mandara Mountains and dismantled criminal support networks.
Major-General Onoja disclosed that troops arrested 50 suspected terrorists, informants, collaborators and logistics suppliers during different operations in the North-East.
In the North-West, soldiers under Operation Fansan Yamma sustained their offensive against armed groups in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
In Kebbi State, troops rescued 11 kidnapped victims after pursuing suspected kidnappers who abandoned their captives while escaping.
Another seven abducted persons were rescued during operations around Geso and Ayan Geso in Zamfara State.
The military also arrested suspected kidnappers and apprehended a suspected terrorist who reportedly visited a clinic in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State to treat gunshot injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke intensified operations against kidnappers and armed gangs in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.
In Kogi State, soldiers killed two suspected kidnappers during an encounter and recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.
Another operation in Obele Forest resulted in the killing 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 rescued six kidnapped civilians, including a baby, following a distress call from Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
The soldiers also arrested a wanted member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Takum Local Government Area of the state.
In Kogi State, a suspected terrorist, his wife and two children reportedly surrendered to the military, citing sustained attacks on criminal camps in the area.
Troops also arrested a suspected gunrunner in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State and a logistics supplier allegedly linked to a terrorist group operating in Kogi State.
The military recorded additional successes in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Abia and Anambra states, where operations led to the rescue of kidnapped persons and disruption of criminal activities.
Reacting to the achievements, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended military personnel for their courage, commitment and sacrifices in the fight against insecurity.
He also honoured the memory of an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives while supporting military operations.
The Defence Chief wished wounded personnel a speedy recovery and appreciated other security agencies for their contributions to the ongoing operations.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and criminal activities.
Oluyede further warned Nigerians against providing assistance to criminal groups, engaging in mob attacks or spreading false information capable of undermining security efforts.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ determination to sustain military operations until lasting peace and stability are restored across the country.
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