Nigerian Military Rescues 363 Victims, Kills 69 Terrorists in One Week

The Nigerian military has been on high alert in recent weeks, with a surge in terrorist activities across the country. In a major operation, troops from the Department of Defence, led by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, launched a land, air, and sea offensive against armed criminal elements in all theatres of operations.

The operation saw the neutralization of 69 terrorists in gunfights and air interdiction, while 363 kidnapped victims were rescued. In addition, 49 suspects were arrested. Three reactivated illegal refinery sites were discovered and dismantled, while a total of 251,600 litres of stolen crude were recovered and 12 dug-out pits for storage were destroyed.

In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai deployed at Dutsen Kura foiled a terrorist attempt to abduct civilians along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu LGA of Borno State. Troops pursued the fleeing terrorists towards Mangari-Dora and rescued 31 persons, comprising 22 adult males, 5 adult females, and 4 children. Four vehicles and one motorcycle belonging to the terrorists were also confiscated.

On the same day, a suspected terrorist informant was apprehended at Garaha Market in Hong LGA of Adamawa State. On 1 August 2026, troops on routine clearance patrol near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA of Borno State rescued two women and two children who had been held since the 2023 farming season at a terrorist enclave.

The victims were subsequently handed over to the community head of Ngoshe. Between 2 – 4 August 2026, several family members of suspected terrorists surrendered while some were intercepted in Gwoza, Konduga, and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Additionally, a group of 20 persons surrendered to troops at Kwuari in Konduga LGA of Borno State.

On 3 August 2026, troops arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Monguno LGA of Borno State, recovering assorted foodstuffs and provisions destined for terrorists in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. Similarly, another terrorist logistics supplier was arrested at Gwalaram Village in Magumeri LGA on 4 August 2026.

In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma responded to the movement of suspected terrorists transiting through Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, from Hadeija. Following a snap operation, the troops successfully intercepted and arrested 21 persons attempting to cross into Birnin Kebbi. Upon profiling the arrested persons, five suspects were identified as terrorists and handed over to the Department of State Services, while the remaining passengers were released to continue their journey.

On 6 August 2026, troops arrested four suspects at Darusa Village Market in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State. Items recovered from the arrest include six rustled cattle, mobile phones, and the sum of ₦165,000 believed to be proceeds of the intended sale.

The Nigerian military has been working tirelessly to protect the country's citizens and secure its borders. The operation is a testament to the bravery and commitment of the Nigerian troops. The recovered stolen crude oil is expected to be put to good use, benefiting the country's economy.

The Nigerian military's operation highlights the importance of collaboration between different security agencies in the fight against terrorism. The operation also showcases the military's commitment to protecting the country's citizens and securing its borders. The recovered stolen crude oil will be put to good use, benefiting the country's economy.