The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 16 kidnap victims, recovered 281 rustled livestock, and arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers during coordinated operations across Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Plateau states.
According to an operational update released on Wednesday, the operations were conducted within the last 24 hours and also resulted in the interception of suspected family members of Boko Haram insurgents, as well as the recovery of hard drugs, mobile phones, cash, and other items allegedly linked to terrorist activities.
In the North-East, troops of the 222 Battalion intercepted 20 suspected family members of Boko Haram insurgents along the Gezuwa axis in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The group comprised nine women, two men, and nine children.
The army said the individuals claimed they fled the Gezuwa terrorist camp after it came under attack by rival fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). They have since been taken into military custody for profiling and further investigation.
In a separate operation in Geidam, Yobe State, troops arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators allegedly involved in supplying hard drugs to insurgents. Recovered items included substances suspected to be cannabis, 11 mobile phones, and ₦14,530 in cash.
Similarly, troops operating in Monguno, Borno State, apprehended two suspected logistics suppliers to ISWAP. According to the army, the suspects confessed to transporting food items to terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area. Items recovered from them included mobile phones, an assault knife, an ISWAP gate pass, and ₦6,600.
The military also disclosed that troops rescued a woman who had been held captive by terrorists since November 2025 in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. After receiving medical attention, she was reunited with her family.
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 14 kidnapped victims during an operation in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The operation also led to the recovery of 281 rustled livestock and two motorcycles following an exchange of gunfire with suspected terrorists.
The army added that separate operations in Sabon Birni, Sokoto State, and Zurmi, Zamfara State, forced fleeing terrorists to abandon two kidnapped victims. One of the rescued victims sustained gunshot injuries and was evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, troops arrested a suspect believed to be connected to previous attacks in Southern Kaduna during ongoing security operations.
The military further disclosed that soldiers responding to attacks on farming communities in Mangu Local Government Area rescued several injured farmers allegedly attacked by suspected herders and recovered 27 cattle from the fleeing attackers.
According to the army, follow-up operations in Riyom Local Government Area led to the arrest of 19 suspects after two soldiers were killed in an ambush.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at combating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country.
