Military rescues 125 kidnap victims, neutralises eight terrorists

Nigerian Military Conducts Operations Against Terrorism Nationwide

The Defence Headquarters announced on Saturday that military operations were carried out from November 6 to November 12, 2026, across multiple theaters of operation in Nigeria. Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided details during a briefing with journalists.

As a result of these operations, 12 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered. Additionally, the Emir of Bogwas in Bauchi State handed over six AK-47 rifles and six magazines to military personnel, following an encounter on November 8.

The operations also led to the rescue of 69 adult males, 35 adult females, and 15 children. Troops discovered an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists in the area. In Borno and Adamawa states, military forces recovered vehicles and personal belongings of abducted individuals.

In the North-West, troops from Operation Fansan Yamma successfully rescued five victims of kidnapping during various operations in Zamfara State. However, one driver who had been abducted alongside other commuters on the Kombo-Gurusu Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area was found deceased.

Military successes were reported in Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara, and Oyo states. Troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts and destroyed camps, recovering weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles.

In a specific incident in Bauchi, on November 10, the Emir of Bogwas surrendered weapons to the military in Alkaleri Local Government Area, following a military engagement at Dajin Madam.

In Niger State, troops operating in Kainji Lake National Park detonated five improvised explosive devices, repelled two attacks, neutralized two suspected terrorists, and arrested 11 individuals believed to be aiding terrorist activities.

In the South-East region, troops of Operation Udoka thwarted an alleged ambush on oil tankers in the Awara Community of Imo State. They recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, two magazines, and 36 rounds of ammunition after suspected criminals fled into nearby forests.

Major General Onoja reiterated the military’s commitment to combating terrorism and criminal activity throughout the country. Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede praised the troops for their resilience and extended his best wishes for a quick recovery to personnel injured during the operations. He also expressed condolences to the family of the commuter killed in the Zamfara attack and urged communities to share timely information regarding suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of public support in maintaining security.

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