The Nigerian military says more than 115 people abducted across the country have been freed in the past week during a series of coordinated operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the rescues were carried out between August 21 and 27, 2025, in several states including Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Delta, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Kangye, troops operating in Katsina State accounted for the largest rescue after airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Kankara Local Government Area led to the release of 76 victims.
“In Borno and Yobe States, troops rescued five kidnapped victims in Bama, Gwoza, Mobbar, Chibok, Monguno, Konduga and Gujba Local Government Areas,” Kangye said. “Seventy-six others were freed in Katsina following the bombardment of terrorist hideouts at Pauwa Hill in Kankara.”
He added that another 29 captives were freed in Benue and Taraba under Operation Whirl Stroke, while three were rescued in follow-up operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States. In the Niger Delta, two victims were freed during raids in Sapele, Aniocha North, Ughelli, Ahoada and Onelga Local Government Areas.
Beyond the rescues, Kangye said troops neutralised several insurgents, arrested more than 50 suspects, and recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and N70,050 in cash.
He further revealed that a key fighter belonging to the Abu Ayuba terrorist network surrendered in Borno. “Following sustained pressure, a terrorist surrendered his weapon and ammunition in Kwayari village, Kaga Local Government Area, and has indicated willingness to support ongoing non-kinetic efforts to convince others to lay down their arms,” he stated.
On oil-related crimes, the Defence Headquarters reported that Operation Delta Safe foiled a massive oil theft estimated at over N443 million. Troops intercepted nearly 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 188,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.
“Thirteen crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, eight boats, 16 storage tanks, and 12 illegal refining sites were destroyed,” Kangye explained. “Our troops also recovered pumping machines, mobile phones, three tricycles, four vehicles and arrested 33 suspected oil thieves.”
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that operations against criminal groups, terrorists, and oil thieves will continue across the country until peace and stability are restored.