Zainab Abioye
The Defence Headquarters has said troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces rescued 36 abducted persons and neutralised several terrorists, including two suspected kingpins, during operations across parts of the country.
The operations, conducted between August 31 and September 3, 2026, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and improvised explosive device components, according to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.
Onoja disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, detailing the military’s operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the North-East and North-West.
In Borno State, troops neutralised a terrorist on September 1 after detonating an improvised explosive device along the Miyanti-Banki Junction main supply route in Bama.
The troops recovered a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator following the operation.
Another terrorist was neutralised during an encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe State, with troops recovering a rifle and ammunition.
The military also intercepted a terrorist escapee around Sabsawa, Bama, on August 31.
According to Onoja, the suspect had escaped from captivity after reportedly suffering hunger and hardship.
In a related operation, troops arrested a suspect in Konduga, Borno State, for allegedly conveying foodstuffs believed to have been destined for a terrorist enclave in Bama.
The military further reported the arrest of a suspected former terrorist fighter who had allegedly become an informant. He was arrested at Damasak, Mobbar, on September 1.
Onoja said 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa, Dikwa, on September 2 following clashes between rival terrorist factions.
The troops also intercepted another terrorist escapee near Amuda Bridge, Gwoza, while a suspected terrorist spy was arrested along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road.
Two terrorist kingpins killed in Katsina
In the North-West, troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified offensives against terrorists and kidnappers across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Onoja said troops neutralised two terrorist kingpins and wounded another during a raid on suspected terrorist hideouts at Kogo, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, on August 31.
The military said the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them operational freedom across the region.
In another operation in Katsina, troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North-West, neutralised a terrorist and recovered four motorcycles and other items during a dawn offensive in Dan Musa Local Government Area on September 4.
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists around Yantumaki Forest.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops launched a coordinated assault on the suspected terrorists.
Danja said the troops engaged the terrorists with heavy firepower, forcing them to flee into surrounding bushes.
The latest military operations come amid continuing security challenges involving terrorism, kidnapping and armed criminality in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The Defence Headquarters said the operations would be sustained as troops continue efforts to disrupt terrorist and kidnapping networks and restore security in affected communities.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
