DHQ: Military Rescues 363 Victims, Kills 69 Terrorists in One Week

. CDS applauds troops’ commitment to defending Nigeria

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that following sustained land, air and sea offensives by the military against criminal elements in all theatres of operations by gallant Nigerian troops in the last one week, 69 terrorists were neutralised in gunfights and air interdiction, over 360 kidnapped victims rescued while 49 suspects were arrested.

DHQ also noted that during the operations against economic saboteurs, three reactivated illegal refinery sites were discovered and dismantled. At the same time, a total of 251,600 litres of stolen crude were recovered, and 12 dug-out pits for storage were destroyed.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has commended troops across all theatres of operation for their discipline, resilience and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, while making this known, noted that sadly, one soldier was killed in action while another sustained injury in action.

Detailing the encounters, Onoja stated that in the North-east, troops of Operation Hadin Kai deployed at Dutsen Kura while sustaining robust operations, on July 31, 2026, foiled terrorists’ attempt to abduct civilians along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu LGA of Borno State.

According to him, the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists towards Mangari-Dora and rescued 31 persons, comprising 22 adult males, five adult females and four children.

Onoja added that four vehicles and one motorcycle belonging to the terrorists were also confiscated.

“On the same day, a suspected terrorist informant was apprehended at Garaha Market in Hong LGA of Adamawa State.

“On August 1, 2026, troops on routine clearance patrol near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA of Borno State rescued two women and two children who had been held since the 2023 farming season at a terrorist enclave.

“The victims were subsequently handed over to the community head of Ngoshe,” he added.

Onoja disclosed that between August 2-4, 2026, several family members of suspected terrorists surrendered while some were intercepted in Gwoza, Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State.

“On 3 August 2026, troops arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Monguno LGA of Borno State, recovering assorted foodstuffs and provisions destined for terrorists in Kukawa LGA of Borno State.

“Similarly, another terrorist logistics supplier was arrested at Gwalaram Village in Magumeri LGA on 4 August 2026.

“In a separate operation conducted on 3 August 2026, troops rescued Miss Blessing Tuggur, an 18-year-old victim abducted in November 2025 at Dogoba Kopre axis in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State.

“The victim was subsequently reunited with her family after receiving medical attention,” Onoja added.

CDS Applauds Troops’ Commitment to Defending Nigeria

Meanwhile, the CDS, General Oluyede, has commended troops across all theatres of operation for their discipline, resilience and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.

Oluyede also praised the sustained collaboration between the Armed Forces, other security agencies, local security groups and relevant stakeholders.

According to a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Onoja, the CDS said the synergy had continued to produce positive results in the ongoing campaign against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

The Defence Chief also commended the media for its professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations, urging members of the public to continue providing useful information to security forces to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

He assured Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ unwavering resolve to sustain the current operational tempo until peace and stability are fully restored across all theatres of operation.