Troops Arrest Over 20 Terrorists, Rescue Kidnap Victims, Foil Attempts

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops on internal security operations arrested over 20 terrorists including collaborators, arms couriers, and  illegal miners,and rescued several kidnap victims across the seven theatres.

The Director Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja gave the figures in an update on military operations between 30 March to 2 April 2026 on Friday.

In a breakdown, he said  troops of Operation Hadin Kai on 30 March 2026 ambushed terrorist at a crossing point in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, intercepted a group of terrorists mounted on motorcycles, forcing them to abandon one motorcycle, a Tavor rifle magazine, and 19 rounds of ammunition.

In another development, troops deployed at Dutsen Kura, Biu LGA observed via CCTV that terrorists were abducting civilians from 17 vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road.

He said the troops immediately mobilised, pursued the terrorists, and compelled them to abandon their victims, thereby securing the rescued civilians.

Again, on 1 April 2026, troops in conjunction with Hybrid Forces ambushed a suspected terrorist crossing point around the Gadangari axis in Bama LGA of Borno State, killed eight terrorists and Intercepted their logistics suppliers.

Also troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir arrested two teenage boys who had escaped from a terrorist camp at Dusula due to harsh conditions and were profiled for further action.

In a separate cordon-and-search operation at Angwan Rami, Mubi North LGA of Adamawa State, troops arrested three suspected terrorists, including one Alhaji Saleh, who confessed to have participated in the attack in Ngoshe, acting as a double agent, and planning an attack on Mubi Barracks to steal weapons.

Additionally, troops acting on actionable intelligence, apprehended a notorious kidnapper and terrorist leader at Mansur Village, Toungo LGA of Adamawa State, linked to recent attacks on military locations in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State.

Furthermore , troops in collaboration with the DSS arrested a suspected arms courier at the Malmo Checkpoint near Headquarters SOC Base/Airport, Bauchi, with 700 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and fake identity documents.

In the North West,troops deployed at FOB Sabon Garin while responding to reports of an attack on commuters between Sabon Gida and Anguwan Rogo Villages in Kaura Namoda LGA, Zamfara State, successfully engaged and rescued five locals.

Again, on 31 March 2026, troops deployed at FOB Hannutara, while on patrol in Gobirawan Mai Fulani and Kangon Gabas Villages in Maru LGA, Zamfara State, neutralised one insurgent, and recovered seven mobile phones.

Furthermore, on 1 April 2026, troops responded to a distress call from the Chairman of Wurno LGA concerning terrorist activities at Chacho Village, Wurno LGA of Sokoto State, where 17 civilians had been abducted and two others sustained gunshot wounds.