Troops Rescue 119 Kidnap Travelers, Dismantle Terrorists IEDs

The Defence Headquarters said troops on internal operations rescued 119 kidnapped travelers, dismantled terrorists enclaves and Improvise Explosive Devices in the North East, North Central and South West between November 6 and 12, 2026.

A statement by the director of defence media operations Major General Michael Onoja, said troops’ operations within the period conveyed a clear message that wherever terrorists and criminals attempt to seize ground, hold captives or sow fear, troops would find, confront and neutralise them.

He said troops on November 6 responded to information that terrorists had blocked the Dutsen Kura-Bulazarma-Kamuya Road and abducted civilians in Buratai, Biu LGA of Borno State.

Onoja said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the terrorists along the Mangari-Dora Road, forcing them to abandon their captives.

The troops thereby rescued 119 victims, comprising 69 adult males, 35 adult females and 15 children.

According to him, troops also discovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the terrorists in the area.

He said, “The safe return of 119 travelers abducted at Buratai through a swift operation, the operations into the Kainji Lake National Park to dismantle terrorist enclaves and clear IEDs, the destruction of terrorist camps at Dajin Madam, and the steady stream of fighters and their families abandoning terrorist enclaves in the North East all point to an adversary that is losing ground, manpower and morale.”

In the North Central, troops detonated five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), repelled two probing attacks by terrorists, neutralised two terrorists and arrested 11 locals suspected of being terrorist collaborators in the North Central. Troops also confiscated six abandoned motorcycles and 10 mobile phones.

Troops during a sting operation cleared Oli Camp and advanced towards Oli River.

The director said troops in Oyo State operating within the Old Oyo National Park in Irepo LGA,in conjunction with local security groups on 7 November 2026 encountered terrorists, captured an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine and a Dane gun.

Troops resumed the clearance operation on 8 November 2026 in Kainji Lake National Park and cleared 32 IEDs along the Dekara-Pana and Audu Fari-Pana axes.