Military Kills Scores of Terrorists, Rescues Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Offensive

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant operational successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal networks across the country, killing scores of suspected criminals, arresting alleged collaborators and rescuing dozens of kidnapped victims in coordinated operations spanning the six geopolitical zones.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that the operations, conducted between October 30 and November 5, 2026, formed part of the military’s sustained campaign to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt their logistics and supply chains, and restore security in communities threatened by insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

The latest military offensive, according to the Defence Headquarters, yielded substantial recoveries of weapons, ammunition, communication equipment and other materials believed to have been used by criminal groups.

In a statement issued on November 6 and signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said its troops had maintained pressure on criminal elements across several theatres of operation, despite persistent threats in parts of the country.

The reported achievements underscore the continuing security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where insurgents and bandits have continued to threaten civilian populations, as well as the North-Central region, where armed gangs and kidnapping syndicates remain active.

North-East: Heavy Losses For Terrorists

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI reportedly repelled terrorist attacks in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, and Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said the operations followed an attempted attack on Buni Yadi from the Timbuktu Triangle axis on October 29.

In response, troops launched a counteroffensive, followed by clearance operations on October 30, which resulted in the recovery of 48 terrorist bodies.

The troops also recovered an extensive cache of weapons and military equipment, including 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.

Further operations around Apama and Jauro Bashir on October 31 reportedly resulted in the recovery of three additional terrorist bodies, an AK-47 rifle and 188 rounds of ammunition.

At Bitta, troops successfully repelled another attempt by terrorists to infiltrate their position, killing seven suspected insurgents and recovering four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.

The scale of the recoveries, according to the military, reflected the intensity of the engagements and the pressure being exerted on terrorist formations operating in the region.

Beyond direct combat operations, the military also reported encouraging developments involving the surrender of insurgents.

Between November 2 and 4, 12 terrorists and their family members reportedly surrendered at different locations in Borno and Yobe states, including New Abaram Resettlement Village and Banki Junction in Bama Local Government Area.

Some of those who surrendered reportedly cited sustained military pressure and disagreements between rival terrorist factions, including Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as factors influencing their decision.

Troops also rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains, another development highlighting the continuing humanitarian dimension of the conflict.

North-West: Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded several breakthroughs against kidnapping syndicates and armed bandits operating in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna and other states.

In Kebbi State, troops responding to a distress call around Ribah in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area reportedly forced kidnappers to abandon seven captives.

In another operation, four victims abducted from their farms were rescued after troops repelled an ambush along the Wasagu-Falfala Road.

Further search-and-rescue operations conducted on November 3 led to the rescue of seven additional kidnapped persons from Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages in Kebbi State.

The military said these operations demonstrated the importance of rapid responses to distress calls and sustained pressure on kidnapping networks.

In Kaduna State, troops arrested two suspects allegedly linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in Sabon Gida, Chikun Local Government Area.

A suspected terrorist who reportedly sought medical treatment for gunshot wounds at a clinic in Kagarko Local Government Area was also apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The arrests, according to the military, formed part of efforts to identify and dismantle the wider networks supporting criminal operations, including those providing shelter, medical assistance and logistics to armed groups.

North-Central: Forest Operations Target Kidnapping Networks

The North-Central region remained a major focus of military operations, with troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensifying offensives against armed gangs and kidnapping networks across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.

A raid on a criminal hideout in Edimogbo Forest on November 2 reportedly led to the recovery of 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles and a mobile phone.

In a subsequent engagement, troops neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

The operations continued on November 4 when troops stormed Obele Forest, where three suspected kidnappers were reportedly neutralised.

The military said four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and three bandoliers were recovered during the operation.

In Taraba State, troops responding to a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area rescued six civilians, including a baby.

The rescue underscored the vulnerability of rural communities, where criminal groups frequently exploit difficult terrain and limited security presence to abduct residents.

Troops also arrested a suspected member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Takum Local Government Area on November 1.

In Kogi State, a suspected terrorist, his wife and two children reportedly surrendered at Atsawa in Lokoja Local Government Area, bringing an AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition and a radio.

Separately, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier accused of providing materials to terrorists operating in Agbaja Forest.

A suspected gunrunner was also apprehended in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

The military believes targeting logistics suppliers, gunrunners and other collaborators is critical to weakening criminal organisations beyond their immediate fighting formations.

Kwara, Niger: Ansaru Suspects, Kidnappers Targeted

In Kwara State, troops working alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria reportedly ambushed suspected Ansaru terrorists at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area on November 4.

Two suspected terrorists were neutralised during the operation.

Another operation in Niger State led to the arrest of an injured suspected kidnapper at Dusai Village in Mariga Local Government Area.

In Kwara, troops also rescued three people who had escaped from their captors in Lema-Ndeji Forest, Edu Local Government Area.

The operations highlight the military’s continuing efforts to prevent criminal groups from using forest corridors and remote settlements as safe havens.

South-East: Military Rescues Abductee, Uncovers Weapons

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained their operations against criminal elements in Abia and Anambra states.

In Abia State, troops rescued a kidnapping victim following an attack by gunmen on a compound at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area on November 4.

In Anambra State, a search of a shop near the Marine Outpost at Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area, uncovered a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges.

The military said the weapons and ammunition were suspected to have been concealed for criminal activities.

The operations came amid continuing concerns over armed violence, kidnapping and attacks on security personnel and public infrastructure in parts of the South-East.

Plateau: Suspected Terrorist Arrested

In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted and arrested a suspected terrorist during a stop-and-search operation at Kukawa Village in Kanam Local Government Area on November 4.

The suspect was reportedly found in possession of an AK-47 magazine and a round of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Preliminary investigations allegedly linked him to a criminal syndicate led by an individual identified as Kaura.

The military said the arrest would support ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend members of criminal networks operating within the region.

CDS Commends Troops, Calls For Community Support

Reacting to the operational successes, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, professionalism and sacrifices in the ongoing fight against insecurity.

The Defence Chief also paid tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who lost their lives in the line of duty, while wishing wounded personnel a speedy recovery.

He acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies and emphasised the importance of coordinated action in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

Oluyede called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, stressing that military operations alone could not completely eliminate insecurity without credible intelligence and public support.

He urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free emergency number 193.

The CDS also warned against providing logistics or other forms of support to criminal groups, engaging in mob action or spreading misinformation capable of undermining security operations.

He directed troops to remain disciplined, vigilant and combat-ready while sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The Challenge Of Sustaining Security Gains

The latest operational report represents a significant account of military activity across Nigeria, with recoveries of weapons and ammunition, arrests of suspected collaborators and rescues of abducted civilians.

However, the continuing presence of armed groups across several regions highlights the complexity of the security crisis and the need to translate battlefield successes into lasting peace and stability.

The ability of criminal groups to operate across forest corridors, recruit collaborators, acquire weapons and abduct civilians underscores the importance of intelligence-driven operations and stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Armed Forces would sustain their offensive until criminal networks were dismantled and security restored across the country.

For communities affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, the ultimate measure of success will not only be the number of criminals neutralised or weapons recovered, but the restoration of safe roads, farms, schools, markets and homes.

As the military intensifies its campaign, the challenge remains to ensure that the gains recorded on the battlefield translate into enduring security and renewed confidence among Nigerians.