Nigerian Army troops rescued 23 kidnapped victims and killed 19 terrorists in separate operations across Zamfara, Plateau, Kebbi and Borno between Monday, August 10, and Tuesday, August 11, 2026, according to operational reports released by the military.
The latest rescue operation included the recovery of 18 people abducted from their residence in Sabon Gari, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
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Troops serving under Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to a distress call, engaged the attackers and forced the terrorists to retreat, leaving all 18 victims behind. The victims were rescued unharmed.
In Plateau State, troops also rescued a kidnapped man near Kukawa Village in Kanam Local Government Area.
The victim reportedly told soldiers that he had been abducted from Duguri Village in Bauchi State on August 6. He was subsequently handed over to the village head.
The military reported further successes in Plateau, where troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised a terrorist at Nwur Village, Shendam Local Government Area.
The operation followed intelligence provided by an arrested suspected bandit who led troops to the location. Soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle and two rounds of ammunition.
In a separate clearance operation in Plateau, troops also recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.
The most significant reported militant casualties came in Kebbi State, where troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA killed 18 terrorists during an attack on Mobile Police Special Intervention Squad personnel at Makuku in Sakaba Local Government Area.
Five motorcycles were reportedly destroyed during the operation.
In Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued five people who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
The escapees were located by troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion during a patrol along the Amuda Bridge to Ngoshe-Gava road in Gwoza Local Government Area.
According to the military, the five people escaped after disagreements among members of the terrorist group and the subsequent abandonment of the camp by some fighters.
The operations also yielded significant weapons recoveries in the South-East.
Troops of the 82 Division and 103 Battalion recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, Enugu State.
The recovery followed a follow-up operation after troops rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly operating across the South-East and neighbouring states.
In Taraba State, troops arrested 19 suspects during an offensive operation in Gashaka Local Government Area. Motorcycles, pumping machines, mobile phones and cash were reportedly recovered.
The military’s latest account reflects the continuing use of intelligence gathering, targeted raids and coordinated patrols against terrorist and kidnapping networks across several regions.
The reported successes also come amid sustained security operations in northern and central Nigeria, where armed groups continue to pose threats to communities, travellers and security personnel.
While the Army described the operations as successful, the reported casualties and arrests remain claims contained in military operational reports.
Independent verification of the identities and status of those killed was not provided in the report.
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The Army said its troops would continue intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, recovering weapons and rescuing people held by armed groups.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.






















