The Nigerian Army has announced significant operational successes across multiple theatres in the past 24 hours, arresting 17 criminal suspects, rescuing 31 kidnapped victims, and recovering two pump-action guns with five rounds of ammunition.
Sustained pressure from troops forced criminal elements to flee on contact, as soldiers consolidated gains and ensured civilian protection.
Troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moriki, working alongside local hunters, responded to a distress call in Kadage Village, Maradun LGA. On sighting the troops, the terrorists abandoned 25 kidnapped victims and fled. The victims were rescued and reunited with their families in Moriki Town after the area was secured.
Acting on intelligence, troops of 63 Brigade arrested a suspected cultist and kidnapper terrorising Ezuokwu Community, Oshimili North LGA, along with 11 accomplices. Subsequent raids in the Ite-Ego Community led to the arrest of a herbalist and the recovery of two pump-action guns and five cartridges.
A suspected drug peddler was also apprehended with crystal meth, smoking pipes, and Indian hemp. All suspects and exhibits remain in military custody.
Troops of 12 Brigade conducted fighting patrols from Obajana and Kabba Patrol Bases to Ankomi Village and Adankolo general area, Lokoja LGA, rescuing five kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements. During exploitation, two decomposed bodies were discovered, with one evacuated, and efforts are ongoing to recover the other.
Earlier, on December 31, 2025, the Brigade responded to a road blockage along Ayere–Kabba Road, Ijumu LGA. Suspected extremists fled after engagement, while troops rescued an injured driver, recovered his vehicle, and evacuated him to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba. Aggressive patrols continue to dominate the main supply route.
Troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village, Jema’a LGA on January 1, 2026. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
Troops of Sector 2, Operation WHIRL STROKE, arrested two suspected kidnappers around Kadarko, Keana LGA. The suspects were handed over to the Nigerian Police, Keana Division, for prosecution.
Troops of Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE, responded to a kidnapping incident in the Abong general area, Kurmi LGA. One kidnapped victim was successfully rescued and reunited with his family.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property nationwide. Through timely intelligence, joint community efforts, and sustained offensive operations, troops continue to deny criminals freedom of action. Citizens are urged to support security forces with credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts
