Military Rescues Kidnap Victims, Arrests Terrorist Collaborators, Recovers Weapons Across Nigeria – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced major operational gains by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), including the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators, recovery of weapons, and disruption of illegal oil-bunkering activities across different parts of the country.
Presenting the military’s operational update covering June 12 to June 18, 2026, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops sustained coordinated offensives against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and economic saboteurs nationwide.
According to him, in the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai rescued civilians held in terrorist captivity in Borno State. Troops operating along the Damasak–Gubio route reportedly rescued civilians abandoned by fleeing insurgents, while another operation in Bama Local Government Area prevented the abduction of farmers and ensured their safe return to their communities.
The military also recorded successes against terrorist support networks, with suspected collaborators arrested during separate operations in Gwoza and Kukawa Local Government Areas. Among those arrested were Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Buba, and Modu Auta.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma intensified operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kaduna states, where several terrorists were neutralised and weapons, motorcycles, and other combat equipment recovered.
Military operations in the region also led to the rescue of kidnapped victims. Troops intercepted seven escapees from captivity in Bagega Forest following sustained air interdiction missions and rescued additional abductees during separate engagements with bandits.
Major General Onoja further disclosed that troops under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke recorded breakthroughs against criminal and kidnapping networks in the North-Central region.
Among the notable arrests was Hafsatu Alh Bello, identified as the wife of a notorious terrorist kingpin, who was apprehended in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State. Preliminary interrogation reportedly provided intelligence useful to ongoing military operations.
Additional arrests of suspected terrorists were made across Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Kaduna states, with troops recovering weapons, ammunition, and intelligence materials.
In Kogi State, troops rescued five victims who had reportedly been released by fleeing terrorists after a successful military air strike targeted the camp of a notorious criminal leader.
Operations in the South-South also yielded results as troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
The military disclosed that troops intercepted a truck transporting approximately 45,000 litres of illegally acquired petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State and seized about 20,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil during a joint operation with Tantita Security in Rivers State.
Security forces also arrested suspected kidnappers in Edo State during intelligence-led operations conducted in Ekpoma and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained pressure on criminal groups and arrested suspected logistics suppliers and members linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia and Imo states.
One of the suspects, identified as Chima Ejiofor Emmanuel, also known as “Moroco,” was arrested in a hospital in Okigwe while reportedly receiving treatment.
Major General Onoja further revealed that the Nigerian Air Force provided aerial security support to the Abuja–Kaduna train service after the train developed a technical fault during a journey on June 12.
The military also continued civil-military cooperation efforts, distributing 40 bags of fertiliser to farmers in Jigawa State to strengthen community relations and support agricultural activities.
Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to national security, Onoja said military operations would continue until threats across the country are neutralised.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, commended troops and security agencies for their professionalism and collaborative efforts in ongoing operations.
