Nigerian troops have rescued 36 people held by kidnappers and neutralised several terrorists and criminal elements during coordinated operations conducted across different parts of the country.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in its latest operational update covering activities between August 31 and September 3, 2026, as troops intensified offensives against terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and other criminal activities.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the operations were carried out across several theatres, with troops targeting terrorist networks, kidnapping gangs, criminal groups and secessionist elements.

In the North-East, troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI continued their counter-terrorism campaign in Borno and Yobe states. The military reported that two terrorists were killed in separate operations, including one who was eliminated after an improvised explosive device was detonated along the Miyanti-Banki Junction supply route in Bama, Borno State.

Another terrorist was killed during an encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe State, with troops recovering firearms and ammunition.

The military also reported the interception of suspected terrorist logistics activities, including the arrest of a man in Konduga who was allegedly transporting food supplies believed to be destined for a terrorist enclave.

In another development, 21 women and children reportedly surrendered to troops in Mafa, Dikwa, after clashes between rival terrorist factions. The military also intercepted terrorist escapees and arrested suspected informants and suppliers linked to the groups.

Further operations were recorded in the North-West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, where troops reportedly killed two terrorist kingpins and wounded another during a raid on suspected hideouts in Kogo, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation also led to the destruction of two motorcycles, according to the military.

Troops later intercepted a vehicle in Kadage, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where 793 rounds of ammunition were allegedly concealed inside a sack of grain. One fleeing suspect was also reportedly neutralised during the operation.

In Zamfara State, troops ambushed terrorists travelling on motorcycles along the Kwanar Jolof axis between Shinkafi and Zurmi. The operation reportedly resulted in the recovery of an RPG launcher, rifle, ammunition and other military items, while several terrorists were said to have been killed.

The military also recorded significant successes in rescuing kidnapped civilians.

Six abducted persons were rescued while being transported from Ayu Market in Mehinua, Kebbi State, on September 2. The following day, troops rescued 23 civilians from the outskirts of Wuya in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The 23 victims, comprising three men and 20 women, were reportedly held captive for about three weeks before their rescue and were subsequently evacuated for medical attention.

Two additional victims were rescued along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina State, bringing the number of rescued abductees highlighted in the latest operation report to 36.

In the North-Central, troops operating under Operation WHIRL STROKE engaged suspected terrorists along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala, Benue State. One suspect was reportedly killed while another escaped, with a pistol magazine and ammunition recovered.

Troops also forced kidnappers to abandon two women abducted in Ajodomodo, Dekina, Kogi State. The victims were found unharmed after their abductors fled into a forest.

Operations were equally conducted in Taraba, Niger and Kwara states, where troops arrested suspected members and informants linked to criminal groups and rescued five male kidnapping victims from farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga, Niger State.

In the South-East, troops under Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects in Anambra State for allegedly providing medical assistance to members of secessionist groups. Another suspected member of a secessionist syndicate was arrested during a raid at the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their efforts across the various theatres and urged them to sustain the momentum against criminal elements.

He also acknowledged the cooperation among the military, police, Department of State Services and local security groups, while encouraging communities, traditional rulers and other members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

The Defence Headquarters said the armed forces would maintain the operations as part of efforts to restore peace and stability in areas affected by terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats.