From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

A joint security team comprising Police operatives, Forest Guards, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group has intensified operations and is on the trail of armed men alleged to have abducted three persons within the precinct of a church at Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area, in the early hours of today, August 2, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Police public relations officer Enugu State command headquarters Daniel Ndukwe said that the operatives, while closing in on the fleeing suspects, forced them to abandon one of the victims, who was immediately rescued unhurt.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the Area Commander, Oji-River, and the Head of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to further intensify ongoing operations and deploy all available operational assets to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of the suspects.

He also directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to immediately generate actionable human and technical intelligence in support of the operation, while activating the surveillance and technical capabilities of the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre to bolster the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Commissioner urges residents of the community to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible and actionable information, assuring them that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. Such information can be reported through the following emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, or 09134448093, or via email at pproenugu@npf.gov.ng.

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kasuwan Daji, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists.

 The successful defense of the base resulted in heavy casualties for the attackers, forcing them to retreat in disarray, and led to the rescue of 9 abducted civilians.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Division 8 Nigeria Army/Sector 2 OPFY, Lt.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at approximately 0140 hours (1:40 a.m.) on 2 August 2026, when terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military facility.

 “Alerted troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated, overwhelming firepower. The fierce resistance compelled the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion”

“Following the initial engagement, reinforcements arrived and troops launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from the surrounding community during the attack. The relentless pursuit by the troops led to the rescue of 9 abducted locals, who were safely recovered”

“Regrettably, one Army officer and one Police officer paid the supreme price during the heavy firefight. Additionally, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care; both personnel remain in stable condition”

“Troops have since secured and dominated the area, and are currently conducting exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and ensure the safety of the community”

“This failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for the terrorists, capping a costly weekend for the group amid intensified military pressure across the North West Theatre”

 “The outcome underscores the increasing difficulty these armed groups face in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops, further degrading their combat capability, morale, and freedom of action”

“Contrary to rumors circulating online that six personnel died, it worthy to mention that only one Army officer and a policeman paid the supreme price”

“Operation Fansan Yamma remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities, and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North West”

The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 16 kidnapped victims, apprehended suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and informants, and recovered arms, ammunition and other items in separate operations across the country.

This is contained in an operational update covering activities in the last 24 hours, made available yesterday in Abuja.

In the North East, the report said troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected female ISWAP informant and logistics supplier at Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

It said the suspect was intercepted while allegedly attempting to return to her husband in the Sava terrorist enclave within the Sambisa Forest.

According to the report, items recovered from her included a mobile phone and other personal effects.

In the North West, it said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repelled a terrorist ambush on personnel of the 2 Nigerian Mobile Force at Abrom village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna.

“The troops fought through the ambush, forcing the attackers to flee and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 50 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“Also in Sokoto State, troops rescued 16 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Shagari and Gandi Local Government Areas.

“The first operation at Wanke and Kaura villages led to the rescue of six abductees after terrorists abandoned them while fleeing military troops.

“Troops also recovered two motorcycles belonging to the fleeing terrorists,” it said.

The report said troops had, in another operation at Badanma village, engaged terrorists, forcing them to abandon 10 kidnapped victims who were rescued unharmed.

It added that troops also intercepted a white bus transporting 10 motorcycles along the Biu-Kangiwa road in Kebbi.

According to the report, preliminary investigations revealed the motorcycles were destined for a notorious terrorist identified as Mallam Gehowa at Amogoro.

“Four suspected terrorist logistics suppliers were arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

“In Taraba State, troops of Operation MESA arrested a suspected criminal at Dema Road in Donga Local Government Area.

“Recovered from the suspect were 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three mobile phones, a power bank and N160,000.

“The suspect allegedly confessed to purchasing the ammunition from another individual in the area,” it added.

The report further revealed that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered rustled cattle after engaging suspected terrorists in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau.

It said the troops also raided a suspected drug den at Saya village in Bassa Local Government Area, arresting four suspected drug dealers.

According to the report, items recovered included eight cutlasses, six knives, cannabis and other illicit substances.

It said that toops further responded to an armed robbery incident along the Mararaba Jama’a highway where they recovered the corpse of a victim with gunshot wounds.

“They also intervened in the Pankshin Local Government Area following the killing of a farmer allegedly by suspected herders over a grazing dispute.

“The incident triggered reprisals, forcing the fleeing herders to abandon 15 cattle now in police custody.

“Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, working with Defence Intelligence Agency operatives, recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine during a follow-up raid on the residence of a suspected militia member in Wukari, Taraba” it added.