Nigerian troops kill over 50 terrorists, rescue kidnapped victims in nationwide operations

The Defence Headquarters has said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, have killed scores of terrorists, arrested suspected criminal collaborators, and rescued dozens of kidnapped victims during coordinated military operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

It said that operations, conducted between October 30 and November 5, 2026, targeted terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, gunrunners and other criminal networks operating in different parts of the country.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on November 6, the military sustained its offensive operations to weaken criminal groups, disrupt their supply networks and improve security across the country.

It said that in the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled terrorist attacks in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, and Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Following an attempted attack on Buni Yadi from the Timbuktu Triangle axis on October 29, the statement said that troops launched a counteroffensive, adding that subsequent clearance operations on October 30 led to the recovery of 48 terrorist bodies, 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.

It said that further operations around Apama and Jauro Bashir on October 31 resulted in the recovery of three additional terrorist bodies, an AK-47 rifle and 188 rounds of ammunition, adding that troops also repelled an attempted infiltration of their position at Bitta, recovering seven terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.

The military also recorded progress against terrorist networks in Borno and Yobe through arrests, rescues and voluntary surrenders. Between November 2 and 4, 12 terrorists and their family members surrendered at different locations, including New Abaram Resettlement Village and Banki Junction in Bama LGA. Some reportedly attributed their decision to increased military pressure and disagreements between rival JAS and ISWAP factions. Troops also rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains.

In the North-West, the military said that Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescued several kidnapped victims during operations in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna and other states. In Kebbi, troops responding to a distress call around Ribah in Danko/Wasagu LGA forced kidnappers to abandon seven captives.

It said that another four victims abducted from their farms were rescued after troops repelled an ambush along the Wasagu-Falfala Road, adding that additional search-and-rescue operations on November 3 led to the rescue of seven kidnapped persons from Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages in Kebbi State.

Meanwhile, the military said that troops arrested two suspects linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in Sabon Gida, Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. A suspected terrorist seeking treatment for gunshot wounds at a clinic in Kagarko LGA was also apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services.

The statement added that in Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted a suspected terrorist during a stop-and-search operation at Kukawa Village in Kanam LGA on November 4, saying that the suspect was found with an AK-47 magazine and a round of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Preliminary investigations reportedly linked him to a criminal syndicate allegedly led by an individual identified as Kaura.

It said that across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensified operations against armed gangs and kidnapping networks. A raid on a criminal hideout in Edimogbo Forest on November 2 resulted in the recovery of 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles and a mobile phone, adding that two suspected kidnappers were subsequently neutralised during another engagement, with troops recovering two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

It said that the operation continued on November 4 when troops stormed Obele Forest, where three suspected kidnappers were neutralised. Four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and three bandoliers were recovered. In another operation in Taraba State, troops responding to a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido LGA rescued six civilians, including a baby.

The statement said that the troops also arrested a suspected member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Takum LGA of Taraba State on November 1. In Kogi State, a terrorist, his wife and two children surrendered at Atsawa, Lokoja LGA, bringing an AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition and a radio. Separately, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier accused of providing supplies to terrorists operating in Agbaja Forest. A suspected gunrunner was also apprehended in Gboko LGA of Benue State.

In Kwara State, the military said that troops working alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria ambushed suspected Ansaru terrorists at Nanu Village in Kaiama LGA on November 4, neutralising two of them. Another operation in Niger State led to the arrest of an injured suspected kidnapper at Dusai Village in Mariga LGA. Troops also rescued three people who had escaped from their captors in Lema-Ndeji Forest, Edu LGA of Kwara State.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA maintained pressure on criminal elements in the South-East, recording successes in Abia and Anambra states. In Abia, troops rescued a kidnapping victim following an attack by gunmen on a compound at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi LGA on November 4. In Anambra, a search of a shop near the Marine Outpost at Otuocha, Anambra East LGA, uncovered a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges suspected to have been concealed for criminal activities.

The Defence Headquarters said the nationwide operations demonstrated the Armed Forces’ determination to dismantle criminal networks, protect citizens and restore lasting peace. It noted that the successes recorded in Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states, among others, reflected the impact of sustained military pressure.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and sacrifices, while paying tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives in the line of duty. He also wished wounded personnel a speedy recovery and acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies.

The Defence Chief further called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to consolidate the gains recorded. He urged citizens to provide credible information about suspicious activities through the nearest military formation or the toll-free emergency number 193.

He also warned against supplying criminals with logistics, engaging in mob action or spreading misinformation, while directing troops to remain disciplined, vigilant and combat-ready. The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations until peace, security and stability are restored across Nigeria.