Nigerian Army Conducts Successful Operations, Rescues 31 Victims
The Nigerian Army has made significant progress in recent operations, rescuing 31 kidnapped individuals, arresting 17 criminal suspects, and recovering two pump-action guns along with five rounds of ammunition. These achievements were reported following coordinated efforts across multiple states within the last 24 hours.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Army emphasized that sustained offensive pressure has forced criminal elements to flee upon contact. This allowed troops to consolidate their positions and better protect civilians. The statement highlighted several key operations conducted by different units across the country.
Zamfara State: A Successful Rescue Operation
In Zamfara State, the 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 at Forward Operating Base Moriki, in collaboration with local hunters, responded to a distress call regarding the kidnapping of residents from Kadage Village in the Maradun Local Government Area. Upon sighting the troops, the terrorists abandoned 25 kidnapped victims and fled. The rescued individuals were safely reunited with their families in Moriki town.
Delta State: Arresting Cultists and Kidnappers
In Delta State, the 63 Brigade acted on intelligence to arrest a suspected cultist and kidnapper terrorizing the Ezuokwu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area. Alongside this suspect, 11 accomplices were also arrested. Subsequent raids in Ite-Ego Community led to the arrest of a herbalist and the recovery of two pump-action guns and five cartridges.
Additionally, a suspected drug peddler was apprehended with crystal methamphetamine (ice), smoking pipes, and Indian hemp. All suspects and exhibits are currently in military custody for further action.
Kogi State: Rescuing Victims from Abandoned Settlements
In Kogi State, troops from the 12 Brigade conducted fighting patrols from Obajana and Kabba Patrol Bases to Ankomi Village and the Adankolo general area of Lokoja Local Government Area on January 1, 2026. During these operations, they rescued five kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements.
During the exploitation of the area, two decomposed bodies were discovered. One has been evacuated, while efforts are ongoing to recover the other.
Kaduna and Nasarawa States: Targeting Criminal Elements
On December 31, 2025, the same brigade in Kogi State responded to reports of a road blockage along Ayere–Kabba Road in Ijumu Local Government Area. Troops engaged suspected violent extremists who fled into the bushes, rescued an injured driver, recovered his vehicle, and evacuated him to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba. Troops continue to dominate the route with aggressive patrols.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, acting on credible intelligence on January 1, 2026, apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village in Jema’a Local Government Area.
Similarly, in Nasarawa State, troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke, arrested two suspected kidnappers hibernating around Kadarko in Keana Local Government Area and handed them over to the Nigerian Police, Keana Division, for prosecution.
Taraba State: Rescuing a Kidnapped Victim
In Taraba State, troops of Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, responded to a kidnapping incident at the Abong general area of Kurmi Local Government Area and successfully rescued one kidnapped victim, who has since been reunited with his family.
Commitment to Protecting Lives and Property
Reaffirming its resolve, the Nigerian Army stated it remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country. Through timely intelligence, joint community efforts, and sustained offensive operations, troops will continue to deny criminals freedom of action.
The Army urged citizens to support security forces with credible information to help combat criminal activities effectively.
