The Nigerian military has rescued 125 kidnapped victims, neutralised eight terrorists and arrested 11 suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers during operations across the country.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed this on Saturday, stating that the operations were conducted between November 6 and 12, 2026, across various theatres of operation.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the activities of troops.
He said the operations also resulted in the surrender of 12 terrorist fighters and their family members, while six AK-47 rifles and six magazines were handed over to troops by the Emir of Bogwas in Bauchi State.
According to Onoja, troops recorded a major breakthrough in the North-East with the rescue of 119 travellers abducted by terrorists along the Dutsen Kura-Bulazarma-Kamuya Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
He explained that the victims were abducted on November 6, prompting troops to mobilise and pursue the attackers along the Mangari-Dora Road, forcing them to abandon their captives.
The rescued victims comprised 69 adult males, 35 adult females and 15 children.
Troops also discovered an improvised explosive device planted by the terrorists in the area.
Onoja further disclosed that troops rescued other abductees during operations in Borno and Adamawa states, recovering vehicles and other belongings of the victims.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued five kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara State.
However, a driver abducted alongside other commuters along the Kombo-Gurusu Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area was found dead.
The military also recorded successes in Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Oyo states, where troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts, destroyed camps and recovered weapons, ammunition and motorcycles.
In Bauchi State, the Emir of Bogwas handed over six AK-47 rifles and six magazines to troops in Alkaleri Local Government Area on November 10.
Onoja said the weapons were surrendered to the traditional ruler by armed elements following a military encounter at Dajin Madam on November 8.
He added that troops operating in Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State detonated five improvised explosive devices, repelled two attacks, neutralised two suspected terrorists and arrested 11 locals suspected of collaborating with terrorist groups.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udoka foiled an alleged attempt by suspected cultists to ambush oil tankers at Awara Community in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, two magazines and 36 rounds of ammunition after the suspected criminals fled into the forest.
Commenting on the operations, Onoja said the military remained committed to confronting terrorist and criminal groups across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their resilience and wished personnel wounded during the operations a speedy recovery.
Oluyede also expressed condolences to the family of the commuter killed during the attack in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He urged communities and other stakeholders to provide timely information on suspicious movements and activities, stressing that public cooperation remained vital to the fight against insecurity.
Military rescues 125 kidnap victims, neutralises eight terrorists
