Nigerian Troops Rescue 36 Abductees, Neutralize Terrorist Kingpins in Four-Day Nationwide Sweep
Abuja, September 5, 2026—Nigerian troops have rescued 36 abducted civilians and neutralized several terrorists, including key kingpins, in coordinated operations conducted between August 31 and September 3, the Defence Headquarters announced on Saturday.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the multi-theatre campaign targeted terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks, and secessionist elements.
The operations spanned the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-East, involving troops under Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Whirl Stroke, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Udo Ka.
North-East Gains Under Operation Hadin Kai
In Borno and Yobe states, troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. On September 1, soldiers neutralized one terrorist after an improvised explosive device detonated along the Miyanti-Banki Junction route in Bama, recovering a rifle, ammunition, and an IED initiator.
Another fighter was killed at the Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe.
Troops also intercepted a terrorist escapee who fled captivity due to hunger near Sabsawa in Bama on August 31. Suspects were arrested for ferrying foodstuffs to terrorist enclaves and for acting as informants.
On September 2, 21 women and children surrendered to troops in Mafa and Dikwa following clashes between rival terrorist factions.
Additional surrenders and arrests of spies occurred near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza and along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road.
North-West Offensive Yields Major Rescues and Neutralizations
Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops recorded significant results across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara. On August 31, a raid in Kogo, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina, neutralized two terrorist kingpins and wounded a third; two motorcycles were destroyed.
On September 2, troops intercepted a vehicle in Kadage, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna, recovering 793 rounds of ammunition hidden in a sack of grain; one fleeing suspect was killed.
An ambush on motorcycle-riding terrorists along the Kwanar Jolof–Shinkafi–Zurmi axis in Zamfara yielded an RPG launcher, a rifle, ammunition, and other items.
Rescue operations proved particularly successful. Six victims were freed while transiting from Ayu Market in Mehinua, Wasagu, Kebbi, on September 2.
The following day, 23 civilians — three men and 20 women — were rescued from the outskirts of Wuya in Anka, Zamfara, after roughly three weeks in captivity; they were evacuated for medical care.
Two more victims were freed along the Dandume–Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina, with two motorcycles recovered.
Further clearance operations in the Tangaza and Rabah local government areas of Sokoto destroyed a terrorist camp and recovered military uniforms, identification cards, and firearms.
Progress in North-Central and South-East
In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke killed one suspected terrorist and recovered weapons along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala, Benue.
Kidnappers abandoned two women unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest, Dekina, Kogi. Five gang members were arrested during a raid in Peva, Takum, Taraba.
Operation Savannah Shield rescued five male victims from farms along the Kotonkoro–Bangi Road in Mariga, Niger, while a wounded suspected terrorist was apprehended in Ifelodun, Kwara.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka arrested two suspects in Mbosi, Ihiala, Anambra, for allegedly providing medical support to secessionist elements and another suspected syndicate member during a raid on the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North.
Leadership Commends Troops and Calls for Public Support
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede praised the gallantry and resilience of troops across all theatres. He also commended the synergy among the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, local security groups, and other stakeholders.
The CDS urged traditional rulers, community leaders and the public to continue supplying credible intelligence.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that operations will be sustained until lasting peace and security are restored nationwide.
The latest successes form part of a broader campaign that has seen hundreds of victims freed and scores of terrorists neutralized in recent months, offering cautious hope amid Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
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