Armed Forces of Nigeria Rescues 50 Kidnap Victims in 2026

Between September 11 and 17, 2026, the Defence Headquarters reported that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria rescued at least 50 kidnapped victims and arrested numerous terrorists, collaborators, and suspected kidnappers during various operations nationwide. Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that these operations led to the killing of several terrorists, recovery of weapons, and dismantling of illegal activities.

In the North-east, troops arrested six members of a kidnap syndicate in Adamawa State and rescued 14 abductees in Borno State, including Mallam Sadiq, the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town. In the North-west, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma achieved significant successes, neutralizing terrorists and rescuing abducted traders in Kaduna and Katsina States.

The operations also resulted in the surrender of several terrorists along with their weapons.