By Katsinatimes 

Nigerian troops rescued at least 59 kidnapped victims and neutralised 11 terrorists during military operations across the country between August 14 and 20, 2026, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, outlining the military’s operations during the period.

In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI rescued eight kidnapped victims and neutralised three terrorists. The operation also led to the recovery of weapons and other military equipment.

Onoja said troops rescued three victims from Gwamnare Forest in Bauchi State and a 63-year-old Cameroonian national abducted along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis.

He added that 47 family members of terrorists and six fighters surrendered to the troops in Borno State during the period.

28 victims rescued in North-West

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 28 abducted persons across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states between August 17 and 19.

The troops also neutralised four terrorists, arrested an explosives courier and other suspected collaborators, and recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and cash.

Six suspected informants linked to the abduction of an immigration officer’s family, as well as staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, were also arrested.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE reportedly compelled kidnappers to release 13 victims, comprising two men, five women and six children, in Kogi State.

The troops also neutralised two suspected criminals and arrested an arms courier during separate operations in Taraba and Benue states, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other weapons.

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In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered several firearms, including fabricated rifles and Dane guns, as well as ammunition during a raid on suspected criminals in Mangu Local Government Area.

In Kwara State, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, while seven kidnap victims were rescued during a night patrol in Patigi Local Government Area.

Operations continue in South

In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested suspected kidnappers and an arms trafficker, recovering seven locally made pistols, ammunition and a camouflage vest.

The troops also disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered about 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA dismantled suspected secessionist camps, recovered weapons and cleared multiple improvised explosive devices across Imo, Anambra and Abia states.

Onoja said troops conducting clearance operations towards Mother Valley in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra on August 20 cleared 11 IEDs.

The troops also dismantled an illegal bunkering site in Abia, arrested suspects and recovered suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil, motorcycles and a vehicle.

The Defence Headquarters said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their sustained operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal networks.

Oluyede also praised the cooperation between the military, other security agencies and local security groups, while urging Nigerians and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security forces.

The military leadership assured Nigerians that operations would be sustained until peace and security are restored across the country.