Troops overpower terrorists, rescue kidnap victims across five states

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other Nigerian Army formations have overpowered terrorists and rescued seven kidnapped victims across four states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

In a post on X on Thursday, the Nigeria Army said the troops also arrested nine suspects and recovered arms and ammunition and other items linked to terrorist and criminal activities.

According to the army, In Taraba State, troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected terrorist hideout at Peva in Takum Local Government Area in the early hours of 3 September 2026.

According to the army, although the suspected bandit leader fled before the arrival of troops, five suspected associates were arrested following a thorough search of the area.

The army equally stated that troops recovered two AK-47 magazines, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one woodland camouflage jacket and jungle hat, four charm vests and assorted charms.

In Zamfara State, the army disclosed that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA ambushed terrorists moving from the Fakai general area towards Kwanar Jolof and Tashar Dole in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas, neutralising several terrorists.

It stressed that  troops recovered one RPG launcher, one RPG bomb, one AK-47 rifle, six AK-47 magazines, 106 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

Similarly, in Kaduna State, troops intercepted a vehicle at a snap checkpoint along the Saulawa–Zaria Road. During a search, a passenger resisted inspection and attempted to escape but was neutralised by the troops.

“A subsequent search of his bag uncovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed inside gari. The vehicle and its driver are in military custody for further investigation.

“In the Federal Capital Territory, troops of the Guards Brigade and Army Headquarters Garrison rescued Mrs Adonkie, wife of Brigadier General Basil Adonkie (Rtd), who was abducted from her residence on 1 September 2026,” the army said.

The army further said that while acting on credible intelligence, troops pursued the kidnappers through the Aco Estate–Goza Community axis, forcing them to abandon the victim at Angwan Sabo Village.

It asserted that a follow-up operation on 2 September led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers near Gaube Village in Kuje Area Council.

According to the army, troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, while clearance and tracking operations continue to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

“Also in Kebbi State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued six kidnapped victims along the Wasagu–Ayu Road in Wasagu Local Government Area after engaging terrorists in the area.

“The troops’ swift response forced the terrorists to flee and abandon their victims, who were subsequently rescued unharmed and handed over to relevant community authorities.

“The successes underscore the sustained offensive by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, disrupt the movement of arms and ammunition, rescue victims and deny criminal elements freedom of action across affected communities,” the army added.