By David Torough, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria rescued at least 54 kidnapped victims and neutralised 22 terrorists during military operations conducted across the country between August 20 and 27, 2026, the Defence Headquarters has said.

The military, in its latest operational update issued on Friday, said troops also arrested several suspected terrorists, kidnappers and arms traffickers, while disrupting illegal oil bunkering and refining activities across the country.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued eight abductees—three women and five children—around Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on August 22.

Three additional minors who escaped from terrorist enclaves near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza were also rescued.

The military said troops later arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, spies and fighters in parts of Borno and Adamawa states. During a clearance operation at Kopre Mountain in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops neutralised 21 terrorists, destroyed their camp and recovered six AK-47 rifles, 23 magazines and 586 rounds of ammunition.

The operation also recorded multiple terrorist surrenders in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, with the surrendering fighters and their families reportedly citing sustained military pressure and internal clashes among rival terrorist factions.

In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 31 abducted persons in separate operations across Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna states.

The rescued victims included six people along the Dandume-Sheme Road in Katsina State, six at Gadan Manya in Zamfara State, three children in Kachia, Kaduna State, 14 victims at Magazu in Tsafe, Zamfara State, and two female captives at Hayin Babangida in Igabi, Kaduna State.

However, the military said a male farmer abducted in the Kaduna incident was found dead from gunshot wounds before troops could rescue him.

Troops also arrested suspected gunrunners and terrorists, including a reported terrorist kingpin, Mallam Sanusi Mai Glass, in Katsina State. An assault rifle allegedly concealed in a bag of millet and destined for a terrorist kingpin in Zamfara was also intercepted.

In the North-Central region, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescued two kidnap victims in Lokoja, Kogi State, and arrested suspected terrorists and arms traffickers in Taraba and Kogi states. One suspect reportedly confessed to supplying four AK-47 rifles and about 6,000 rounds of ammunition.

Troops operating under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger State also repelled a terrorist attack in Dekara, Borgu Local Government Area. The attackers fled into Kainji Lake National Park, abandoning an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, six motorcycles, 49 mobile phones, nine phone batteries and 10 memory cards.

The military said the recovered communication devices and other materials could provide intelligence on terrorist networks operating in the area.

In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining. The Nigerian Navy disrupted oil storage infrastructure containing approximately 93,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Bonny, Rivers State.

Troops also intercepted vehicles conveying about 8,500 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Imo State and disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers State, where approximately 103,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were recovered.

Two tanker trucks preparing to siphon crude oil from an illegal collection point in Eleme, Rivers State, were also intercepted, with two suspects arrested.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA disrupted illegal oil activities and raided suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds in Anambra State in collaboration with the Department of State Services and local security personnel.

The operation at Obene and Abator villages in Ogbaru Local Government Area resulted in the neutralisation of one suspected terrorist and the recovery of pump-action guns, motorcycles and materials allegedly intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for what he described as their gallantry, discipline and sustained commitment across the various theatres.

Oluyede also welcomed a recent gesture by Air Peace, whose staff and passengers gave military personnel a spontaneous standing ovation while boarding a flight in Abuja. The airline’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, had directed that military and police personnel receive priority boarding and be applauded in recognition of their service.

The Defence Headquarters said the gesture demonstrated public goodwill towards security personnel and urged other stakeholders to recognise the sacrifices of serving personnel and veterans.

The CDS further commended the collaboration between the military, police, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders, while urging Nigerians, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing security agencies with timely and useful information.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, according to the statement, remains committed to sustaining its current operational tempo against terrorism, kidnapping, criminality and economic sabotage nationwide.

The National Defence College (NDC) has urged the outgoing course -34 participants to seek moral guidance and maintain spiritual strength in the discharge of national service.

The NDC commandant, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed gave the charge on Sunday in Abuja, at the college interdenominational church service in respect of the graduating course -34 participants.

Ahmed, represented by the Deputy Commandant, Maj.

-Gen. Ken Chigbu, said that the need for spiritual strength, support, and moral guidance in the midst of professional and intellectual pursuits could not be over-emphasised.

He also said that faith reminded humanity the importance of humility, compassion, service and dependence on God.

He noted that these were very important attributes that every leader must have in order to be able to discharge their duties fairly and efficiently.

“As leaders, we must never become so confident in our abilities that we forget the need to seek and utilise divine wisdom and spiritual guidance.

“May God grant us the wisdom, courage and selflessness required to make decisions that will promote peace and unity, attain justice and security, and achieve prosperity for all,” he said.

The commandant further urged the participants to continue in their noble commitment to excellence as the college sustained its important role in developing strategic leaders for Nigeria, Africa, and the international community.

“We thank Almighty God for bringing Course-34 to this important milestone and we celebrate the achievement of the participants.

“Above all, we look forward to the contributions that our graduates will make in the years ahead with hope and confidence.

“Their journey at the college was one of intellectual engagement, personal sacrifice, professional development, and shared experiences.

“Over the course of the programme, they were exposed to rigorous academic activities, strategic studies, leadership development, research exercises, and other activities designed to broaden their understanding of national and international security issues.

“They have also had the opportunity to interact, exchange ideas and build relationships across professional, cultural, and national boundaries,” he also said.

Earlier the college Protestant Chaplain, Capt. James Saidu, in his sermon urged the outgoing participants to continue to abide in the faith that had brought them thus far in order to go further.

He also urged them to remain thankful to God in every situation, noting that every circumstance they found themselves was an opportunity to grow and do better.

Saidu admonished them to lead by example and be leaders with high morals and transparency in their distinct places of service after their imminent graduation.(NAN)

By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have disrupted an alleged kidnappers’ roadblock in Benue State, neutralised one suspected bandit and arrested two suspected kidnappers in separate operations.

According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the operations were conducted on August 19, 2026, following credible intelligence on criminal activities in the state.

In the first operation, troops were deployed to the Jortar–Atume axis after receiving information about a suspected bandit kingpin and his associates allegedly operating an illegal checkpoint in the area.

The troops reportedly engaged the group in a firefight on arrival, during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname “Cool Nigga”, was neutralised. Other members of the group fled, abandoning a motorcycle that was subsequently recovered by the troops.

In a separate operation in Logo Local Government Area on the same day, troops acting on credible intelligence arrested two suspected kidnappers at Gou Village.

The suspects were identified as 44-year-old Terhile Iyo and 32-year-old Vershima Emmanuel. According to the military, the suspects confessed to an alleged attempt to kidnap Mrs Balame Nyikwagh, a resident of Gou Village.

Items recovered from them included a locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards and charms.

The two suspects remain in military custody for further investigation and exploitation.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across its area of operation and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against criminal activities.