Army Rescues 31 Kidnapping Victims In Multi-state Sweep

The Nigerian Army has rescued 31 individuals abducted by criminals, arrested 17 suspects, and recovered two pump-action guns with five rounds of ammunition in a series of coordinated operations across multiple states within the last 24 hours.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Army said the results followed sustained offensive operations, which forced criminal elements to abandon their victims and flee, enabling troops to consolidate positions and protect local communities.

“In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 at Forward Operating Base Moriki, in collaboration with local hunters, responded to a distress call on the kidnapping of residents of Kadage Village, Maradun Local Government Area,” the statement said.

“On sighting the troops, the terrorists abandoned 25 kidnapped victims and fled. The victims were rescued, the area was exploited without further contact, and all rescued persons were safely reunited with their families in Moriki town.”

In Delta State, troops of the 63 Brigade acting on intelligence arrested a suspected cultist and kidnapper terrorising Ezuokwu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area, alongside 11 accomplices.

“Subsequent raids in Ite-Ego Community led to the arrest of a herbalist and the recovery of two pump-action guns and five cartridges. Additionally, a suspected drug peddler was apprehended with crystal methamphetamine (ice), smoking pipes and Indian hemp. All suspects and exhibits are currently in military custody for further action,” the statement said.

In Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade conducted patrols from Obajana and Kabba bases to Ankomi Village and Adankolo in Lokoja Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements.

During the exploitation of the area, two decomposed bodies were discovered. One has been evacuated, while efforts are ongoing to recover the other,” the statement added.

The brigade also responded to a road blockage along Ayere–Kabba Road in Ijumu Local Government Area on 31 December 2025.

Troops engaged suspected violent extremists who fled into the bushes, rescued an injured driver, recovered his vehicle and evacuated him to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba,” the Army said, noting that patrols continue to dominate the route.

In Kaduna State, Sector 5 of Operation Enduring Peace apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village in Jema’a Local Government Area on 1 January 2026. Similarly, in Nasarawa State, troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke, arrested two suspected kidnappers in Kadarko, Keana Local Government Area, handing them over to the Nigerian Police for prosecution.

“In Taraba State, troops of Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, responded to a kidnapping incident at the Abong general area of Kurmi Local Government Area and successfully rescued one kidnapped victim, who has since been reunited with his family,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Nigerian Army said it remains “unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.”

“Through timely intelligence, joint community efforts and sustained offensive operations, troops will continue to deny criminals freedom of action,” the Army added, urging citizens to provide credible information to security agencies.