Nigerian Troops Rescue 36 Abductees, Kill Terrorists

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian troops rescued 36 abducted persons and killed several terrorists during military operations conducted across the country between August 31 and September 3, 2026, the Defence Headquarters has said.

The latest operational update was disclosed on Saturday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said troops carried out coordinated missions against terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks and secessionist elements in different parts of the country. citeturn0news1

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops under Operation Hadin Kai sustained counter-terrorism operations in Borno and Yobe states, targeting terrorist formations and disrupting their logistics networks.

The military said the operations also produced successes against criminal groups operating in other parts of the country, although the DHQ’s statement covered several theatres rather than a single operation.

The latest figures come shortly after the military reported further successes in the North-East. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Operation Hadin Kai troops neutralised 114 terrorists, arrested 146 suspects and rescued 60 abducted persons during operations conducted across the North-East in August. citeturn0search27

The military has continued to place emphasis on intelligence-led operations and coordination among security agencies as it tackles terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.

In August, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops across the country’s operational theatres for their discipline and commitment to national security. He also praised cooperation between the Armed Forces, other security agencies and local security groups. citeturn1search2

The rescue of the 36 abductees also comes amid continuing military efforts to free Nigerians held by criminal and terrorist groups. In late August, troops rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 National Youth Service Corps members, from the Egume-Ochaja forest in Kogi State. citeturn1search6

Earlier in the year, military authorities also reported the rescue of large numbers of kidnapped victims through operations in the North-East and North-West. Voice of Nigeria reported that Operation Hadin Kai rescued 104 kidnapped victims during operations in February, while Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 251 hostages during the same period. citeturn1search13

The Defence Headquarters has repeatedly urged members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies, saying cooperation with communities remains important to ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.

The latest operation indicates that Nigerian troops rescue 36 abductees remains part of a wider nationwide security campaign aimed at weakening terrorist and criminal networks and securing the release of people held captive.

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