The Nigerian Army rescued 31 kidnapped victims and arrested 17 suspects across Zamfara, Delta, Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property through sustained offensive operations.

Nigerian Army Offensive Rescues 31 Kidnap Victims, Arrests 17 Suspects

The Nigerian Army has announced major operational successes across multiple states in the past 24 hours, rescuing 31 kidnapped victims, arresting 17 criminal suspects, and recovering weapons and ammunition. Sustained pressure from troops forced criminal elements to flee on contact, while soldiers consolidated gains and ensured the safety of civilians.

Zamfara State: 25 Victims Freed

Troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 at FOB Moriki, working alongside local hunters, responded to a distress call in Kadage Village, Maradun LGA. On sighting the troops, terrorists abandoned 25 kidnapped victims and fled. All rescued persons were safely reunited with their families in Moriki Town.

Delta State: Cultists and Drug Peddlers Arrested

Acting on intelligence, troops of 63 Brigade arrested a suspected cultist/kidnapper and 11 accomplices in Ezuokwu Community, Oshimili North LGA. Subsequent raids in Ite-Ego Community led to the arrest of a herbalist and the recovery of two pump-action guns and five cartridges. A suspected drug peddler was also apprehended with crystal meth, smoking pipes, and Indian hemp. All suspects remain in military custody.

Nigerian Army Refutes Allegations of Non-Payment and Extortion in Ogun State

Kogi State: Patrols Rescue Victims and Secure Routes

Troops of 12 Brigade conducted fighting patrols from Obajana and Kabba Patrol Bases to Ankomi Village and Adankolo, Lokoja LGA, rescuing five kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements. During exploitation, two decomposed bodies were discovered. Earlier, on December 31, 2025, the same Brigade responded to a road blockage along Ayere–Kabba Road, rescuing an injured driver and securing the main supply route with aggressive patrols.

Kaduna State: Suspect Apprehended

Troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village, Jema’a LGA. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.

Nasarawa State: Two Suspects Arrested

Troops of Sector 2, Operation WHIRL STROKE, arrested two suspected kidnappers hiding around Kadarko, Keana LGA. The suspects were handed over to the Nigerian Police, Keana Division, for prosecution.

Taraba State: Victim Rescued

Troops of Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE, responded to a kidnapping incident in Abong, Kurmi LGA, successfully rescuing one victim who has since been reunited with his family.

Army Reaffirms Commitment

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property nationwide. Through timely intelligence, joint community efforts, and sustained offensive operations, troops continue to deny criminals freedom of action. Citizens are urged to support security forces with credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts.