Troops Rescue 388 Kidnap Victims, Arrest 31 Terrorists in One Week — DHQ

Nigerian troops rescued 388 kidnapped victims, arrested 31 terrorists, and neutralized 10 others in operations across the country between June 4–17 2026, the Defence Headquarters said Tuesday.

Intercepting an arms shipment concealed in millet at Gusau-Shinkafi road, Zamfara. An arms dealer and his contact were arrested.

Neutralizing 1 terrorist and recovering 7 motorcycles in Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara

Arresting 8 suspected terrorists and seizing phones, radios, uniforms and 7 motorcycles in Maru LGA.

Killing 1 terrorist and recovering an AK-47 during a response to attacks in Kanoma, Maru LGA.

Troops maintained pressure on Boko Haram/ISWAP remnants in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. Highlights:

 Rescue of an 8-year-old escapee and 3 women/children in Gwoza, Borno.

 A multi-axis raid in the Mandara Mountains on June 17 led to the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, abducted from Ngoshe in March. Two infants died due to harsh terrain. Survivors were treated at Gwoza General Hospital.

Arrests of terrorist informants and logistics suppliers across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

Recovery of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other supplies in multiple patrols.

Arrest of a high-value terrorist informant in Niger State and 5 other suspects with phones and cash.

 Rescue of 6 passengers from kidnappers in Riyom LGA, Plateau; 2 more victims rescued in Barkin Ladi LGA. Two wanted kidnappers were also arrested

 In Benue, Kogi and Taraba: recovery of AK-47s, locally made pistols, ammunition, and rescue of 13 passengers from a highway attack. Two kidnap victims abducted in Kogi were freed.

Discovery of illegal siphoning rigs and 4,000 litres of stolen crude in Rivers and Delta.

 Recovery of over 1,500 litres of illegally refined diesel in Akwa Ibom.

Arrest of 5 suspected kidnappers in Edo.