Nigerian troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued 42 kidnapped victims, neutralised eight terrorists and arrested 18 suspects during various operations across the country in the past week.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a briefing at the weekend, adding that troops also uncovered and destroyed two illegal crude oil refining sites in the Niger Delta.
Providing details of the operations, Onoja said troops under Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State took custody of four family members of terrorists who surrendered after fleeing from Kunde near the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area.
He added that troops also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in different parts of Borno State, including Mohammed Goni, who was apprehended at the Molai entrance gate in Jere LGA, and other suspects linked to insurgent activities.
The Defence spokesperson said several family members of terrorists surrendered to troops deployed in Pulka, Gwoza and along the Gwoza-Limankara route, while security forces intercepted suspected logistics suppliers during operations in the state.
Onoja further disclosed that troops arrested a suspected foreign spy, Abubakar Mohammed Zen, at Mallam Fatori in Abadam LGA of Borno State, who claimed to be a citizen of Niger Republic.
He said troops also rescued several kidnapped victims in Borno, including Usman Hassan, who was abducted in Bauchi State in April 2026, as well as Aisha Mohammed and other civilians.
According to him, troops rescued four women and five children near Armuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA, with the victims receiving medical attention before being handed over to community authorities.
In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states, leading to the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators, the rescue of hostages and the neutralisation of terrorists.
He said troops rescued eight civilian hostages and recovered two vehicles after terrorists attacked commuters in Ungwan Rogo village, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State.
He added that five abducted victims were also rescued from a terrorist camp near Tungan Kudaduku village in Anka LGA, while another victim, Mahadi Haruna, was rescued from kidnappers in Zurmi LGA.
In the North Central, troops of Operation Savanna Shield rescued kidnapped victims in Niger State, while forest guards in Kwara State neutralised a terrorist and rescued two children after receiving intelligence about suspected terrorist activities.
Onoja said security operatives also recovered weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun, which were handed over for further investigation.
In Kaduna and Plateau states, troops intercepted suspected arms suppliers, arrested wanted suspects and recovered locally fabricated weapons and ammunition.
He added that troops responding to kidnapping incidents in Plateau State rescued victims and continued efforts to track fleeing attackers.
The Defence spokesperson also highlighted operations in Kogi, Benue and Nasarawa states, where troops arrested suspected criminals, recovered ammunition and rescued abducted persons.
He confirmed that troops successfully rescued the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina LGA of Kogi State.
According to him, the victims were freed after sustained pressure from security agencies forced the kidnappers to abandon them, adding that they were in stable condition and undergoing medical evaluation.
In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed illegal crude oil refining sites in Rivers State while continuing operations against oil theft and economic sabotage.
Onoja said troops also responded to a kidnapping incident at Ambrose Alli University in Edo State, where they neutralised one kidnapper, recovered weapons and rescued three abducted persons.
In the South-East, troops under Operation Udoka arrested suspected criminals, recovered weapons and carried out raids targeting members of proscribed groups in Abia and Rivers states.
The operations led to the recovery of assault rifles, ammunition and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
The Director of Defence Media Operations said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops and security agencies for their efforts and intelligence-led operations across the country.
Onoja also noted the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity, describing it as a major achievement carried out without concessions to the abductors.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, assuring that ongoing operations would be sustained until peace and stability are restored nationwide.