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

The Defence Headquarters has stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, have killed scores of terrorists, arrested suspected prison collaborators, and rescued dozens of kidnapped victims throughout coordinated navy operations throughout the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

It stated that operations, performed between October 30 and November 5, 2026, focused terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, gunrunners and different prison networks working in numerous components of the nation.

According to a press release signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on November 6, the navy sustained its offensive operations to weaken prison teams, disrupt their provide networks and enhance safety throughout the nation.

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

Following an tried assault on Buni Yadi from the Timbuktu Triangle axis on October 29, the assertion stated that troops launched a counteroffensive, including that subsequent clearance operations on October 30 led to the restoration of 48 terrorist our bodies, 42 AK-47 rifles, 5 PKT machine weapons, 4 general-purpose machine weapons, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.

It stated that additional operations round Apama and Jauro Bashir on October 31 resulted within the restoration of three further terrorist our bodies, an AK-47 rifle and 188 rounds of ammunition, including that troops additionally repelled an tried infiltration of their place at Bitta, recovering seven terrorist our bodies, 4 AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, 4 RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.

The navy additionally recorded progress towards terrorist networks in Borno and Yobe by way of arrests, rescues and voluntary surrenders. Between November 2 and 4, 12 terrorists and their relations surrendered at completely different places, together with New Abaram Resettlement Village and Banki Junction in Bama LGA. Some reportedly attributed their resolution to elevated navy strain and disagreements between rival JAS and ISWAP factions. Troops additionally rescued a feminine abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains.

In the North-West, the navy stated that Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescued a number of kidnapped victims throughout operations in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna and different states. In Kebbi, troops responding to a misery name round Ribah in Danko/Wasagu LGA compelled kidnappers to desert seven captives.

It stated that one other 4 victims kidnapped from their farms have been rescued after troops repelled an ambush alongside the Wasagu-Falfala Road, including that further search-and-rescue operations on November 3 led to the rescue of seven kidnapped individuals from Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages in Kebbi State.

Meanwhile, the navy stated that troops arrested two suspects linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in Sabon Gida, Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. A suspected terrorist searching for therapy for gunshot wounds at a clinic in Kagarko LGA was additionally apprehended with the help of the Department of State Services.

The assertion added that in Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted a suspected terrorist throughout a stop-and-search operation at Kukawa Village in Kanam LGA on November 4, saying that the suspect was discovered with an AK-47 journal and a spherical of seven.62mm Special ammunition. Preliminary investigations reportedly linked him to a prison syndicate allegedly led by a person recognized as Kaura.

It stated that throughout Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensified operations towards armed gangs and kidnapping networks. A raid on a prison hideout in Edimogbo Forest on November 2 resulted within the restoration of 1,000 rounds of seven.62mm Special ammunition, seven bandoliers, six bikes and a cell phone, including that two suspected kidnappers have been subsequently neutralised throughout one other engagement, with troops recovering two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and greater than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

It stated that the operation continued on November 4 when troops stormed Obele Forest, the place three suspected kidnappers have been neutralised. Four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of seven.62mm Special ammunition and three bandoliers have been recovered. In one other operation in Taraba State, troops responding to a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido LGA rescued six civilians, together with a child.

The assertion stated that the troops additionally 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 spouse and two kids surrendered at Atsawa, Lokoja LGA, bringing an AK-47 rifle, 4 rounds of ammunition and a radio. Separately, troops arrested a suspected logistics provider accused of offering provides to terrorists working in Agbaja Forest. A suspected gunrunner was additionally apprehended in Gboko LGA of Benue State.

In Kwara State, the navy stated 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 additionally rescued three individuals who had escaped from their captors in Lema-Ndeji Forest, Edu LGA of Kwara State.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA maintained strain on prison components within the South-East, recording successes in Abia and Anambra states. In Abia, troops rescued a kidnapping sufferer following an assault by gunmen on a compound at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi LGA on November 4. In Anambra, a search of a store close to the Marine Outpost at Otuocha, Anambra East LGA, uncovered a pump-action rifle, a broken searching rifle and 13 cartridges suspected to have been hid for prison actions.

The Defence Headquarters stated the nationwide operations demonstrated the Armed Forces’ dedication to dismantle prison networks, shield residents and restore lasting peace. It famous that the successes recorded in Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states, amongst others, mirrored the affect of sustained navy strain.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, recommended troops for his or her braveness and sacrifices, whereas paying tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who misplaced their lives within the line of responsibility. He additionally wished wounded personnel a speedy restoration and acknowledged the contributions of different safety companies.

The Defence Chief additional known as for stronger cooperation amongst safety companies, conventional rulers, neighborhood leaders and residents to consolidate the beneficial properties recorded. He urged residents to supply credible details about suspicious actions by way of the closest navy formation or the toll-free emergency quantity 193.

He additionally warned towards supplying criminals with logistics, participating in mob motion or spreading misinformation, whereas directing troops to stay disciplined, vigilant and combat-ready. The navy reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining operations till peace, safety and stability are restored throughout Nigeria.