Security forces have recorded widespread operational successes across the North-West and North-Central regions, rescuing abducted persons, foiling kidnapping attempts, and arresting suspected terrorists and criminal collaborators in Katsina, Zamfara, Kogi, Kebbi and Kwara states.
The operations, carried out by the military and police under various formations, were intensified in recent weeks as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping offensives aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring stability in affected communities.
In Katsina and Zamfara states, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued seven kidnapped victims and foiled coordinated abduction attempts during sustained search-and-rescue and offensive operations.
In Katsina State, troops under Operation Clean Sweep III stormed a terrorist enclave in Fafu Village, Matazu Local Government Area, acting on intelligence reports that abducted victims were being held in the area.
The military said the operation forced the criminals to flee their camp under heavy pressure.
According to the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, the terrorists abandoned their positions and fled with the arrival of troops.
“Overwhelmed by the aggressive assault and superior firepower of the troops, the terrorists abandoned their camp and the abducted victims,” he said.
Following clearance operations, four kidnapped victims were rescued at the site and are currently receiving medical attention.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, troops in Zurmi Local Government Area foiled a planned kidnapping after armed criminals infiltrated a community.
Troops responded to a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
A follow-up clearance operation led to the rescue of three additional victims who were abandoned during the confrontation.
The military said the coordinated operations demonstrated sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action in the North-West region.
In Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, rescued five kidnapped victims abandoned by fleeing bandits during sustained operations in forested areas.
The Commanding Officer of 126 Battalion, Lt Col Francis Nwoffiah, said the rescue followed a joint ground and air operation supported by helicopter strikes provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He explained that troops mounted a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route after air interdiction targeted several bandit camps in Agbede Forest, particularly Danguntu camp in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
“Unable to move with all their captives, they abandoned some of them, which allowed the captives to take advantage and move away,” he said.
He added that several notorious bandit leaders, including Battijo, Issa and Maidawa, had been neutralised in earlier operations, noting that criminal networks in the area had been significantly degraded.
In Kebbi State, the police command arrested suspected terrorists, bandits, arms traffickers, informants and other criminal suspects while also rescuing a kidnapped woman and recovering illegal weapons during a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted across the state within the last month.
Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, said 12 suspects were arrested, including alleged members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group, Lakurawa bandits, logistics suppliers, informants and armed criminals.
Among those arrested were three suspected Mamudawa/Boko Haram members intercepted along Illo-Lolo Road in Bagudo Local Government Area while allegedly transporting food supplies to criminal groups.
Four suspected Lakurawa bandits were also arrested along Ka’oje–Bakin Ruwa Road.
Police also arrested a suspected logistics supplier accused of repeatedly delivering food items and conveying suspected terrorists to criminal enclaves.
A kidnapped woman, Asmau Isah, was rescued after armed men invaded a residence in Birnin Kebbi, while another suspect was arrested in connection with the attack.
Additional arrests included illegal arms possession, informant activities, and vehicle theft, including the recovery of a stolen Mercedes-Benz C200, which was later handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command.
In Kwara State, nine residents of Idi-Iya community in Ifelodun Local Government Area regained their freedom after spending weeks in captivity following a bandit attack on April 23, 2026.
Security sources said the victims were released after negotiations reportedly involving ransom payment.
All nine abductees were confirmed alive, contrary to earlier reports that two had died in captivity.
The release came alongside intensified security operations in the area, which also led to the arrest of four suspected criminals allegedly involved in looting abandoned communities.
The suspects were apprehended in Ekudaji near Agbeku while allegedly attempting to move stolen livestock and household items from deserted villages.
Preliminary investigations suggest the gang had been systematically looting abandoned settlements across the area.
Across the affected states, security agencies attributed the successes to intensified air and ground offensives, intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and support from local communities.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks, dismantling bandit camps, and ensuring the safe return of abducted victims across the country.
