Army rescues 31 kidnap victims, arrests 17 suspects
The Nigerian Army has rescued 31 kidnapped victims, arrested 17 criminal suspects and recovered two pump-action guns with five rounds of ammunition during coordinated operations across several states in the last 24 hours.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Army said the gains were recorded as sustained offensive pressure forced criminal elements to flee on contact, allowing troops to consolidate positions and protect civilians.
“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.
It added, “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.”
According to the Army, troops of 63 Brigade in Delta State, 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, the Army said 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 January 1, 2026, 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.
It further disclosed that on December 31, 2025, the same brigade responded to reports of a road blockage along Ayere–Kabba Road in Ijumu Local Government Area.
“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, adding that troops continue to dominate the route with aggressive patrols.
In Kaduna State, the statement said 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.
Similarly, in Nasarawa State, troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke, arrested two suspected kidnappers hibernating around Kadarko in Keana Local Government Area and handed them 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 of Kurmi Local Government Area and successfully rescued one kidnapped victim, who has since been reunited with his family,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its resolve, 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 statement said, urging citizens to support security forces with credible information.
