Army rescues 31 kidnap victims, nabs 17 suspects

Jan. 3, 2026

The Nigerian Army recorded significant operational gains across multiple theatres in the last 24 hours, arresting 17 criminal suspects, rescuing 31 kidnap victims and recovering two pump-action guns with five rounds of ammunition.

In a statement on Saturday, the army said sustained pressure forced criminal elements to flee on contact while troops consolidated gains and protected civilians.

In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 at FOB Moriki, working with local hunters, responded to a distress call regarding the kidnapping of residents at Kadage Village, Maradun LGA. On sighting the troops, the terrorists abandoned 25 kidnap victims and fled.

The victims were rescued, the area exploited without further contact and all rescued persons were reunited with their families in Moriki Town.

In Delta State, troops of 63 Brigade acting on intelligence on arrested a suspected cultist/kidnapper terrorising Ezuokwu Community, Oshimili North LGA, 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 meth (“ice”), smoking pipes and Indian hemp. All suspects and exhibits are 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 Adankolo general area, Lokoja LGA on 1 January 2026, rescuing five kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements.

During exploitation, two decomposed bodies were discovered; one has been evacuated while efforts continue to recover the other.

Earlier, on 31 December 2025, the same Brigade responded to reports of a road blockage along Ayere–Kabba Road, Ijumu LGA, engaging suspected violent extremists who fled into the bushes.

Troops rescued an injured driver, recovered his vehicle, evacuated him to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba and continue to dominate the main supply route with aggressive patrols.

In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE, acting on credible intelligence on 1 January 2026, apprehended one suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village, Jema’a LGA. The suspect is in custody for further investigation.

In Nasarawa State, troops of Sector 2, Operation WHIRL STROKE on 1 January 2026 arrested two suspected kidnappers hibernating around Kadarko, Keana LGA and handed them over to the Nigerian Police, Keana Division for prosecution.

Similarly, in Taraba State, troops of Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a kidnapping incident at Abong general area, Kurmi LGA, conducted a search and successfully rescued one kidnapped victim, who has since been reunited with his family.

The Nigerian Army reaffirms its unwavering 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 while urging citizens to support security forces with credible information.