Nigerian Military Reports Over 50 Terrorists Killed, Dozens of Kidnap Victims Rescued

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Armed Forces have reportedly killed more than 50 suspected terrorists, apprehended several criminal suspects and rescued dozens of kidnapped persons during coordinated security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The operations, conducted between October 30 and November 5, 2026, targeted terrorist groups, bandits, kidnappers, gunrunners and individuals suspected of providing support to criminal networks.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in a statement issued on November 6 and signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.

According to the statement, troops sustained offensives across various theatres of operation to weaken armed groups, disrupt their sources of supplies and improve security.

North-East: Troops repel attacks, recover weapons

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

The military said troops launched a counteroffensive following an attempted terrorist attack on Buni Yadi from the Timbuktu Triangle axis on October 29.

Clearance operations carried out the following day reportedly resulted in the recovery of 48 bodies of suspected terrorists, 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, one 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.

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

At Bitta, troops also thwarted an attempt by terrorists to infiltrate their position. They recovered seven bodies, four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.

The Defence Headquarters also reported that 12 terrorists and members of their families surrendered at different locations in Borno and Yobe states between November 2 and 4. The locations included 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 Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions.

Troops also rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains.

North-West: Several abductees regain freedom

In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA personnel recorded a number of successes in rescue and arrest operations.

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

Four other persons abducted from their farms were rescued after troops repelled an ambush along the Wasagu-Falfala Road.

Search-and-rescue operations conducted on November 3 also led to the freedom of seven kidnapped persons from Sabon Tunga and Binoni communities in Kebbi State.

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

Another suspected terrorist was arrested at a clinic in Kagarko Local Government Area while reportedly seeking medical attention for gunshot injuries. The operation was conducted with support from the Department of State Services.

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

The suspect was allegedly found carrying an AK-47 magazine and one round of 7.62mm special ammunition. Preliminary investigations reportedly connected him to a criminal syndicate allegedly headed by an individual known as Kaura.

North-Central: Forest raids yield weapons and ammunition

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensified operations against armed groups and kidnapping networks in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.

During a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Edimogbo Forest on November 2, troops recovered 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles and a mobile phone.

Two suspected kidnappers were later killed in a separate encounter, with troops recovering two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

On November 4, another operation at Obele Forest resulted in the killing of three suspected kidnappers. The military said troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three bandoliers.

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

The military also announced the arrest of a suspected member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Takum Local Government Area on November 1.

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

Troops also apprehended a suspected logistics supplier accused of providing materials to terrorists operating in Agbaja Forest. In a separate operation, a suspected gunrunner was arrested in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

In Kwara State, troops working with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria ambushed suspected Ansaru terrorists at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area on November 4, killing two of them.

An injured suspected kidnapper was also arrested at Dusai Village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Additionally, three persons who escaped from captivity in Lema-Ndeji Forest, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, were rescued by troops.

South-East: Kidnap victim rescued, weapons recovered

In the South-East, troops operating under Operation UDO KA recorded security breakthroughs in Abia and Anambra states.

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

In Anambra State, a search conducted at a shop near the Marine Outpost in Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area, led to the discovery of a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges suspected to have been hidden for criminal purposes.

Defence chief urges public cooperation

The Defence Headquarters said the operations formed part of the military’s broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks, cut off their supply routes and protect communities across Nigeria.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended the troops for their commitment and sacrifices in the ongoing operations.

He also paid tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who died in the line of duty, while wishing injured personnel a speedy recovery.

Oluyede called for closer collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to sustain the progress recorded.

He urged members of the public to report credible information about suspicious activities to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free emergency number 193.

The Defence Chief cautioned Nigerians against providing logistical support to criminal groups, resorting to mob action or circulating misinformation capable of undermining security efforts.

He further directed military personnel to maintain discipline, vigilance and combat readiness, assuring that the Armed Forces would sustain their operations until peace and stability were restored across the country.