The Nigerian Army said its has recorded major operational successes across several states, rescuing 31 kidnapped victims, arresting 17 criminal suspects, recovering weapons and illicit drugs during coordinated operations carried out in the last 24 hours.
According to a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Saturday, the gains were achieved through sustained offensive actions, timely intelligence and collaboration with local communities, forcing criminal elements to abandon their victims and flee on contact with troops.
In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moriki, in collaboration with local hunters, responded to a distress call over the abduction of residents of Kadage Village in Maradun Local Government Area.
On sighting the troops, the terrorists fled, abandoning 25 kidnapped victims who were safely rescued.
The area was subsequently exploited without further contact, and all victims were reunited with their families in Moriki Town.
In Delta State, troops of 63 Brigade acting on intelligence arrested a suspected cultist and kidnapper terrorising Ezuokwu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area, along with 11 accomplices.
Follow-up raids in Ite-Ego Community led to the arrest of a herbalist and the recovery of two pump-action guns and five cartridges.
In a related operation, a suspected drug peddler was apprehended with crystal methamphetamine, smoking pipes and Indian hemp.
All suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further action.
In Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade conducted fighting patrols from Obajana and Kabba Patrol Bases to Ankomi Village and the Adankolo general area of Lokoja Local Government Area on Jan. 1, 2026.
During the operation, five kidnapped victims were rescued from abandoned settlements.
While exploiting the area, troops also discovered two decomposed bodies, one of which has been evacuated, with efforts ongoing to recover the other.
Earlier, on Dec. 31, 2025, the same brigade responded to reports of a road blockage along the Ayere–Kabba Road in Ijumu Local Government Area, engaging suspected violent extremists who fled into the bush.
Troops rescued an injured driver, recovered his vehicle and evacuated him to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, while maintaining aggressive patrols to dominate the main supply route.
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In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE, acting on credible intelligence on January 1, 2026, apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village in Jema’a Local Government Area.
The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
Similarly, in Nasarawa State, troops of Sector 2, Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested two suspected kidnappers hibernating around Kadarko in Keana Local Government Area. The suspects were handed over to the Nigerian Police, Keana Division, for prosecution.
In Taraba State, troops of Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a kidnapping incident at the Abong general area in Kurmi Local Government Area.
A search operation led to the successful rescue of one kidnapped victim, who has since been reunited with his family.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country, stressing that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-led actions and community support remain critical to denying criminal elements freedom of action.
The Army also urged citizens to continue providing credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.