The Nigerian Army has announced the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims, interception of 300 rounds of ammunition and the neutralisation of a suspected kidnapper in separate operations across the country.
The military’s operational update, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, covered significant incidents recorded between September 9 and 10, 2026.
The operations also led to the disruption of illegal oil refining activities, recovery of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and interception of a trailer allegedly conveying illegally mined ilmenite.
Under Operation MESA, troops of 195 Battalion rescued 10 kidnapped victims and recovered the remains of another victim in Elon/Ikakumo Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The rescued victims and the recovered corpse were subsequently handed over to the police at Ibilolo Division for further action.
In Plateau State, troops operating under Operation ENDURING PEACE reportedly neutralised a suspected kidnapper at Angwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area.
The Army said other suspected kidnappers fled the scene following the encounter, while troops recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and six rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The troops also responded to sporadic shootings by suspected kidnappers along the Jos-Makurdi Road in Riyom.
According to the report, the intervention forced the criminals to abandon three abducted persons who had sustained gunshot wounds, although the kidnappers fled with two other victims.
The three rescued victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre, Riyom, for medical treatment, while efforts continued to locate the remaining abductees.
The report added that troops of Sector 8 conducted a fighting patrol to Kogul village in Mangu Local Government Area, where they engaged suspected militias and forced them to withdraw.
One soldier sustained a gunshot wound during the operation and was evacuated to General Hospital, Mangu, for treatment.
Troops also intercepted four cattle allegedly found grazing on farmland without a herder in Manja community, Mangu, with the animals taken into military custody for further action.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops arrested a suspected female terrorist logistics supplier in Buruku town, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The suspect was allegedly found with 300 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition concealed in her bag.
The Army said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect had travelled from Zamfara to Lafia, where she allegedly collected the ammunition for onward delivery to Birnin Gwari.
In the South-South, troops operating under Joint Task Force South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, arrested a suspected illegal bunkerer in Omoku, Rivers State.
The suspect was intercepted in a vehicle conveying eight 200-litre gallons containing a substance suspected to be illegally refined automotive gas oil.
Troops also discovered three illegal refining sites in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The sites reportedly contained crude oil, suspected illegally refined AGO, reservoirs, ovens, pipes and other equipment used for illegal refining.
The operation resulted in the recovery of about 320 litres of stolen crude oil contained in six sacks and 1,080 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.
In Delta State, troops of 246 Battalion intercepted a trailer allegedly conveying illegally mined ilmenite along the Tuomo-Bomadi Road in Bomadi Local Government Area.
The trailer was subsequently moved to Headquarters Sector 1, Joint Task Force South South, for further action.
The Army also reported the recovery and burial of the remains of a soldier who accidentally fell into the water from a houseboat at Agoubiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on September 6.
Meanwhile, troops of 63 Brigade Garrison arrested three suspected impostors wearing woodland camouflage and carrying plastic rifles along Infant Jesus Road in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The suspects reportedly claimed they were artists filming comedy skits.
The 63 Provost Company commenced an investigation into the source of the military uniforms and equipment, with the suspects expected to be handed over to the police for further action.
The Army said the operations formed part of its ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping, terrorism, illegal oil activities and other security threats across the country.
