Nigerian military saves 363 people and arrests many terrorists

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) rescued 363 people and arrested many terrorists, informants, and other criminal suspects in one week across the country.

Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this information on Friday in Abuja. He gave updates on military operations happening nationwide.

Onoja explained that the operations led to the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the shutdown of illegal oil refining sites. He also mentioned the disruption of logistics networks used by criminals.

In the North-east, the troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 35 victims, including women and children. They also arrested suspected informants and logistics suppliers during their operations.

On 31 July, the troops saved 31 people from an attempted kidnapping along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The rescued included 22 adult males, five adult females, and four children. They were saved after the troops chased fleeing terrorists towards Mangari-Dora.

“Troops also rescued two women and two children on 1 August after finding them in a terrorist hideout near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza Local Government Area. The four victims had been held captive since the 2023 farming season before being rescued and handed over to community leaders,” he added.

Between 2 and 4 August, many family members of suspected terrorists gave themselves up to troops in Gwoza, Konduga, and Bama Local Government Areas. Twenty other suspected terrorists surrendered to troops at Kwuari in Konduga. Troops also arrested suspected logistics suppliers and recovered food meant for terrorists.

Onoja also mentioned that troops rescued 18-year-old Blessing Tuggur. She was kidnapped in November 2025 at Dogoba Kopre in Askira Uba, Borno.

In the North-west, the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA caught 21 people trying to cross into Birnin Kebbi. Five of them were later identified as terrorists and handed over to the Department of State Services.

He noted that four other suspects were arrested at Darusa Village Market in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The troops recovered six stolen cattle, mobile phones, and N165,000.

The air support also hit terrorists gathered with about 15 motorcycles at Kampani Bobi and Beri Settlement in Mariga, Niger State. In the North-central, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescued nine kidnapped victims and arrested criminals, including a suspected gun runner.

Seven victims who were kidnapped along the Wukari-Zaki-Biam Road were saved in Ukum, Benue. Two others were rescued in a different kidnapping incident at Oke Ere in Yagba West, Kogi. Troops also caught suspected associates of wanted terrorist leader, Mathew, known as “Full Fire,” after destroying his hideout in Ukum.

The defence spokesperson said troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD had the biggest single rescue operation. They freed 308 kidnapped people in Kainji Lake National Park, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger. The victims included 163 people from Woro in Kwara State and 145 from Niger State, with many being women and children.

Onoja added that troops also arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara during ongoing operations.

In the South-south, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 11 kidnapped victims along the Lagos-Benin Road in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo. They also continued their fight against crude oil theft, shutting down illegal refining sites and recovering large amounts of suspected stolen crude oil and refined products.

In the South-east, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested several suspects linked to an ambush on soldiers. They also found weapons and ammunition in camps in Rivers, Delta, and Imo States.

The operation led to the arrest of five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra after an attack on Fulani herders in Enugu. Troops recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns, ammunition, and an Improvised Explosive Device during follow-up operations.

Onoja said these operations show the Armed Forces’ commitment to rescuing victims, disrupting criminal activities, and stopping terrorists from operating freely. He said the military would keep working with other security agencies and local groups to gather intelligence and improve security across the country.

He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised the troops for their discipline and dedication. He urged Nigerians to keep giving useful information to security agencies. Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would maintain the current pace of operations until peace and stability return to the country.