Nigerian security forces have recorded fresh successes in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities, following a series of military operations that resulted in the rescue of 125 abducted persons, the neutralisation of eight terrorists and the arrest of 10 suspected criminal collaborators across the country.
The operations, which covered several states between November 6 and 12, 2026, also prompted 12 terrorist fighters and their family members to surrender to security authorities, while troops recovered various weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other equipment allegedly used by criminal groups.
One of the most significant developments was recorded in Borno State, where troops rescued 119 travellers who had been abducted by terrorists along the Dutsen Kura-Bulazarma-Kamuya Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the developments on Saturday while briefing journalists on the military’s activities across different operational theatres.
According to him, the abduction occurred on November 6, prompting soldiers to immediately pursue the attackers towards the Mangari-Dora Road. The pressure mounted by the troops eventually forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and escape.
The rescued group consisted of 69 adult men, 35 adult women and 15 children. Troops also discovered an improvised explosive device believed to have been planted by the fleeing attackers.
The Borno operation was among several engagements that demonstrated the military’s continued efforts to disrupt terrorist activities in the North-East.
On the same day, troops responded to an attack on a military position around Kalla Maula in Kukawa Local Government Area, recovering a PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines and 125 rounds of ammunition.
Another encounter along the Monguno-Maiduguri Road on November 8 resulted in the rescue of abductees and the recovery of a vehicle.
In Adamawa State, soldiers working with local security groups rescued three residents, including a woman, at Dutse-Uku in Mubi South Local Government Area. Their vehicles and farm produce were also recovered and returned to them.
Troops subsequently repelled an attack on their position at Zangular Kilba Junction in Gombi Local Government Area, recovering two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 115 rounds of PKT ammunition. Two suspected terrorists were found dead after the encounter.
In neighbouring Yobe State, soldiers engaged armed men along the Damaturu-Buni Yadi-Buni Gari Road in Gujba Local Government Area, neutralising one suspect and recovering an AK-47 rifle.
Terrorist fighters abandon insurgency
The military also recorded the surrender of terrorist fighters and their relatives at different locations in Borno State.
Onoja said the incidents occurred between November 6 and 8 at Ngurusoye in Bama Local Government Area, along the Dikwa-Gulumba Road in Dikwa and at Banki.
One of the surrendering fighters reportedly handed over an FN rifle and seven rounds of ammunition.
The Cameroonian Defence Force also transferred nine family members, including two women, to Nigerian troops at Banki.
According to the Defence spokesman, some of the fighters attributed their decision to abandon terrorism to sustained military pressure and disagreements among rival factions.
Meanwhile, troops arrested several individuals suspected of providing information, logistical assistance and other forms of support to terrorist organisations.
Six occupants of a vehicle intercepted along the Maiduguri-Bama Road claimed to be repentant terrorists but reportedly failed to provide evidence to support their claims.
Two other suspects accused of supplying provisions to terrorists were arrested at Kwatan Turare Gate in Doron Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.
In Monguno, soldiers also apprehended a suspect who allegedly confessed to attacking motorists along the Monguno-Maiduguri Road, particularly around Gasarwa and Ali Gambori.
Military operations extend to North-West, North-Central
In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma conducted clearance exercises in communities and surrounding forests across Bukkuyum and Anka Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, rescuing two kidnapped persons.
At Yarcantar Gora in Katsina State’s Malumfashi Local Government Area, soldiers engaged suspected terrorists travelling on two motorcycles on November 10.
One was neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 90 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle and three mobile phones were recovered.
Another operation followed an attack on commuters along the Kombo-Gurusu Road in Zamfara State. Troops rescued three abducted persons, although the driver of the affected vehicle was found dead.
In Sokoto State, a father and his son were arrested at Bauni Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area over suspected links to terrorism. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from them.
Across the North-Central region, troops conducted operations in Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa and Kwara states.
In Bauchi, soldiers dismantled suspected terrorist camps at Dajin Madam in Alkaleri Local Government Area, recovering ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment, mobile phones and camouflage uniforms.
Two suspected terrorists were also neutralised during another encounter near Kukawa Village.
The Emir of Bogwas subsequently handed over six AK-47 rifles and six magazines to troops on November 10.
Onoja explained that the traditional ruler had received the weapons from armed individuals following the military confrontation at Dajin Madam two days earlier.
In Plateau State, troops neutralised another suspected terrorist during a clearance patrol around Kukawa, along the Wanka Village axis of Kanam Local Government Area. Four motorcycles and two mobile phones were recovered.
Operations in Taraba State forced suspected terrorists to flee across a river into neighbouring Plateau State, while troops recovered five motorcycles after targeting suspected hideouts around Komodoro Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
In Benue, a suspect was arrested at Abako Village with five rounds of 9mm ammunition. Local security operatives also handed over an AK-47 rifle, an FN rifle containing 18 rounds of ammunition and two pump-action rifles to security authorities.
32 explosive devices cleared in Oyo
Oyo State also featured prominently in the military’s operational report, particularly with activities around the Old Oyo National Park.
Troops working alongside local security groups engaged suspected terrorists in Irepo Local Government Area on November 7, recovering an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine and a Dane gun.
During a follow-up exercise the next day, soldiers discovered and cleared 32 improvised explosive devices along the Dekara-Pana and Audu Fari-Pana routes within Kainji Lake National Park.
Troops also discovered the body of a suspected criminal and destroyed temporary structures believed to have served as hideouts for armed individuals operating within the Old Oyo National Park.
In Nasarawa State, soldiers raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout around Wayo Community in Wamba Local Government Area, arresting two individuals allegedly connected to an earlier abduction at Gada Biyu in Nasarawa Eggon.
The wider operation also involved the destruction of five explosive devices, the repelling of two attacks and the neutralisation of two suspected terrorists. Eleven residents were arrested over alleged collaboration with criminal groups.
Six abandoned motorcycles and 10 mobile phones were recovered before troops cleared Oli Camp and advanced towards Oli River.
In Kwara State, soldiers and local security operatives raided residences linked to suspected terrorist collaborators in Oke-Ode Community, Ifelodun Local Government Area. Five Dane guns and nine cartridges were recovered, while efforts continued to locate the suspects.
Troops foil attack on oil tankers in Imo
In the South-East, personnel of Operation Udoka disrupted an alleged plan by suspected cultists to attack oil tankers at Awara Community in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
Acting on intelligence received on November 11, troops moved into the area and engaged the suspected attackers, who reportedly escaped into a nearby forest with gunshot injuries.
An AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, two magazines and 36 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
The military said its personnel had maintained their presence in the community to prevent further attacks and reassure oil tanker operators about their safety.
Defence chief praises military personnel
Reacting to the operational achievements, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, resilience and commitment to restoring security across the country.
He particularly acknowledged the rescue of the 119 travellers in Borno, the destruction of terrorist camps in Bauchi, the clearance of explosive devices around Kainji Lake National Park and the surrender of terrorist fighters.
Oluyede also wished personnel injured during the operations a speedy recovery and expressed condolences to the family of the driver killed during the attack on commuters in Bukkuyum, Zamfara State.
He recognised the contributions of other security agencies, local security groups and traditional institutions, specifically appreciating the Emir of Bogwas for supporting the military’s efforts.
The Defence Chief urged residents and community leaders to maintain cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and criminal activities.
He maintained that public participation remained important in preventing attacks and protecting lives.
Oluyede further charged military personnel to sustain the momentum of their operations, avoid complacency and uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights while carrying out their assignments.
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