Nigerian troops rescue over 60 kidnapped victims, arrest 44 suspects nationwide

Between September 18 and 24, 2026, Nigerian military forces rescued more than 60 kidnapped victims and arrested 44 suspects in operations across multiple states. The Defence Headquarters said a Nigerian Air Force jet disrupted terrorists transporting victims around Bazama in Sakaba LGA, Kebbi State, causing the abductors to abandon over 60 captives. Ground troops rescued additional victims in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara: 17 along the Isa-Kwanar Isa axis in Sokoto, seven university students seized along the Daye-Malumfashi road in Katsina, and five including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA, Zamfara, from Sekpore village in Kaura Namoda. In Borno, troops intercepted 44 terrorist family members (13 women, 31 children) at Konduga in Bama LGA, with over 20 fighters and relatives surrendering in Gwoza, Dikwa and Ngala due to hardship. Arrests included a suspected terrorist collaborator and spy seized at Geidam market in Yobe, and a kidnapper arrested in Gubio, Borno, who led to recovery of an AK-47 and 12 rounds. In Sokoto, four suspects were detained for allegedly conveying rustled cattle near Illela; in Katsina, three were arrested in Faskari for moving N2.7 million for a suspected terrorist kingpin. Operation Whirl Stroke in North-Central yielded arrests in Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba, including two kidnappers caught along the Otukpo-Makurdi road in Benue where a rifle was recovered, and a gunrunner seized in Kwande. In Bauchi, troops and Forest Guards killed three suspected kidnappers during an ambush at Kudu Yamma, Ningi LGA, rescued six victims and recovered a rifle and ammunition. Plateau’s Operation Enduring Peace raided hideouts in Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills, arresting 11 suspects, four identified by victims as syndicate members. In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka engaged suspected secessionist terrorists at Obibi Forest, Orsu LGA, Imo; the militants fled, abandoning a GPMG, rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle, while an informant was arrested and a woman kidnapped about two months earlier from her hairdressing salon was rescued. The Chief of Defence Staff urged the public to continue providing credible, timely information to security agencies. With troops active across multiple states, how can you contribute timely information to help security agencies?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/26/troops-rescue-over-60-abductees-arrest-44-suspects-nationwide/