The military has intensified efforts to track down terrorists responsible for the attack on Ora-Ago Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, where nine worshippers were abducted during a church service at an ECWA Church.

It also confirmed the rescue of three of the abducted victims, while operations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a weekly briefing on the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across various theatres of operation.

He said troops of Operation Savannah Shield, working in collaboration with local vigilantes and forest guard operatives, responded swiftly to the 22 March 2026 attack, leading to the rescue of the three victims.

He added that troops have since intensified counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across Kwara and Niger states, particularly in forested corridors and border communities known to harbour criminal elements.

In related operations, troops arrested a suspect conveying explosive and improvised explosive device (IED) materials along the Wawa–Dabar Woko Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Although the suspect claimed the materials were meant for mining, authorities are investigating the circumstances.

The military also confirmed that a bridge along the Wawa–Luma Road was destroyed by terrorists to disrupt troop movement and logistics.

Further operations on 23 March saw troops, in conjunction with Kwara State Forest Guard operatives, arrest six suspected terrorists during a stop-and-search exercise in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State. Items recovered included a locally made pistol, ammunition, cutlasses, and charms.

On 25 March, an improvised explosive device discovered along the Wawa–Babanna Road in Niger State was safely detonated by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

Troops subsequently launched offensive operations in the area.

In a separate development, troops uncovered an illegal mining site at Luma Village in Borgu LGA on 26 March and arrested seven suspects, including four foreign nationals from Niger Republic.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, in collaboration with DSS operatives, rescued the Secretary of Kibiya LGA, Hon. Hamza Musa Durba, from a forest hideout in Kano State, arrested two suspects, and recovered an AK-47 rifle.

In Zamfara State, troops also neutralised two terrorists during an ambush operation and recovered weapons and communication equipment.

The military assured that ongoing operations would continue to target terrorist networks and enhance security across affected regions. (THISDAY)

Update news