Troops Rescue 16, Arrest 42 Terrorists

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops arrested 42 terrorists, rescued 16 kidnap hostages in multiple operations across the theatre.

The director, Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja, who gave the figures in a statement on military operations from 17-23 April 2026, said one soldier paid the supreme price in line of duty.

Troops also recovered large cache of arms and ammunition and stolen crude from economic saboteurs.

Among those arrested are terrorists couriers, informants,kidnappers and other criminal elements.

Particularly, he said troops deployed to Atandara in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State on 17 April 2026 arrested one Mr Ibrahim Usman Abubakar, “who was linked to a terrorist syndicate responsible for the killing of a police officer and two vigilantes along Agbashi Road in 2025.”

Also troops on 18 April 2026 arrested one Mr Khalid Usman for stabbing a Nigeria Police Force officer, Inspector Kabiru Muhammed, during a foot patrol at the Congo Russia Area, Jos North LGA, Plateau State.

In a related development, troops arrested one Azi Izang in possession of rounds of 7.62mm ammunition along Grey Garden West of Mines in Jos North LGA.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, while commending troops for their dedication across theatres however, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of Corporal Abubakar Sadiq, who was killed by Boko Haram terrorists.

“His courage, resilience, and devotion to duty embody the finest ideals of the Armed Forces. Though taken in such painful circumstances, his sacrifice will forever be honoured and remembered,” he said.

The CDS while condoling with his family, comrades, and loved ones, also prayed for the repose of his soul

“May they find strength in his legacy of service and bravery. May Almighty God grant Corporal Abubakar Sadiq eternal rest and give comfort to all he left behind.”

The Defence Chief charged troops to sustain the current operational momentum with heightened vigilance, strict adherence to the Laws of Armed Conflict, the Rules of Engagement, and the highest standards of professional conduct.

He further urged the media “to sustain responsible, fact-based, and patriotic reporting that supports national security objectives and effectively counters the propaganda of hostile and subversive elements.

“Similarly, the public is encouraged to strengthen their partnership with the Armed Forces by providing timely, credible, and actionable intelligence to troops and relevant security authorities through available reporting channels. Information shared brings Nigeria closer to a safer, more stable, and more prosperous future,” he said.