The Armed Forces of Nigeria rescued at least 382 kidnapped and abducted persons, arrested 50 suspects and neutralised scores of terrorists during operations across the country between July 31 and August 6, 2026.
The figures were contained in the latest military operations update, released by the Defence Headquarters on Friday which highlighted gains against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities across the six geopolitical zones.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 39 victims, including 31 civilians intercepted from terrorists along the Buratai-Kamuya Road and four persons held since the 2023 farming season. Troops also arrested suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, while 20 persons surrendered in Konduga.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops in the North West arrested 25 persons, including five identified as terrorists, while an air strike in Niger State neutralised scores of terrorists and destroyed logistics and equipment.
In the North Central, troops under Operations WHIRL STROKE, ENDURING PEACE and SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded major successes, including the rescue of 317 victims. This comprised seven kidnap victims rescued in Benue and 310 abducted persons rescued from Kainji Lake National Park, including 163 from Kwara State and 145 from Niger State. Troops also recovered arms and ammunition and arrested several suspects.
In the South South, troops rescued 11 kidnap victims along the Lagos-Benin Road and dismantled three illegal refining sites in Rivers State, recovering or destroying more than 251,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and petroleum products during operations in Rivers and Delta states.
In the South East, troops arrested key suspects linked to an earlier ambush on soldiers, recovered weapons and ammunition, including two General Purpose Machine Guns and an Improvised Explosive Device, and foiled a kidnap attempt along the Nsukka-Obollo Road in Enugu State.
The military said the operations reflect its continued offensive against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities, while the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops and other security stakeholders for their sustained efforts to restore peace across the country.
