Troops across all Theatres rescued a total of 384 kidnapped victims between July 31 and August 6, 2026, receiving the commendation of the Chief of Defence (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for their discipline, professionalism and commitment to the defence of the nation.

Three hundred and eight (308) of the victims – 163 and 145, were rescued in Kwara and Niger states respectively on August 5. In February 2026, armed militants attacked rural communities in Niger State, and abducted 145 people, while terrorists also stormed Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, same month and kidnapped 163 civilians, mostly women and children.

At the weekly news briefing on the Armed Forces operations nationwide in Abuja, the Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said troops arrested 49 terrorists/criminal elements, neutralised scores and recovered assorted arms and ammunition during the period.

Onoja said that among those rescued was a teenage girl kidnapped since November 2025 at Dogoba Kopre axis in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, and had been reunited with her family after receiving medical attention, while two women and two children abducted near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza Local Government since the 2023 farming season were also rescued and handed over to the community head of Ngoshe.

He said in the North West, troops intercepted 21 suspected terrorists transiting through Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, from Hadeija 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 (DSS), while the remaining passengers were released to continue their journey.

“In a major air interdiction operation, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted surveillance over Kampani Bobi and Beri Settlement in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, on 6 August 2026. This was followed by a precision air strike that neutralised scores of terrorists who had assembled with about 15 motorcycles in preparation for hostile activity.

“Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the neutralisation of the terrorists, with secondary explosions indicating the destruction of additional logistics and equipment, including explosive ordnance.”

According to the DMO, troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) under the Operation Sentinel, recovered 251,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products, comprising crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) across the Niger Delta during the period which were handled in accordance with the OPDS’ mandate.

The CDS also commended the media for their continued professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations, and urged the public to continue to provide useful information to troops to enhance the security architecture nationwide.