Terrorists Release 148 Kidnap Victims From Zamfara Forest — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said terrorists on Thursday released 148 kidnap victims from Zamfara forest after three months in captivity.

Director of defence media operations Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja in a statement on military achievements for the week said the victims comprised two adults and 146 children.

“On 27 May 2026, a total of 148 kidnapped victims comprising two adult males and 146 women and children were released from captivity by terrorists suspected to be operating from the Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were kidnapped over three months ago from Galma Village in Wamba District of Mariga LGA of Niger State,” he said.

He noted that following their release, the victims were escorted to the local government area headquarters in Bangi, where they were handed over to the appropriate local government authorities for subsequent reunification with their families.

In a breakdown, he said troops in the North East killed 11 terrorists, rescued four kidnap victims and arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Alhaji Gambo in Monguno local government area of Borno State.

He said the suspect was arrested following a routine check conducted by troops while attempting to enter Monguno town.

In the North West, he said troops rescued 32 kidnap victims and eliminated three terrorists following encounters.

In the North Central, he said troops rescued two kidnap victims, eliminated one and arrested one suspected drug dealer in Makurdi.

In the South East, troops arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin known by the alias Dragon, along with one Mr Amachi Opete.

Times recovered include, one military belt and two berets bearing IPOB/ESN insignia.

In a further development, two suspects who had been apprehended at Owaza in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, while attempting to steal farm produce and abduct female farmers were handed over to troops.

According to him, the suspects, claimed to be residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, initially claimed to be in the area for illegal bunkering activities.

However, the circumstances of their arrest firmly contradict this claim. Both suspects are in the custody of troops and are undergoing investigation.