More than 115 kidnapped victims have been rescued in the space of one week following coordinated operations led by the Defence Headquarters.

The rescues were recorded between August 21 and 27, 2025, during nationwide operations spanning Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Delta, and Rivers States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that 76 of the victims were freed in Katsina State after troops bombarded terrorist hideouts in Kankara Local Government Area.

According to him, “Troops rescued five kidnapped victims in Bama, Gwoza, Mobbar, Chibok, Monguno and Konduga LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. In Katsina State, troops rescued 76 kidnapped victims following an aircraft bombardment of terrorist hideouts at Pauwa Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.”

He further revealed that three victims were freed in Sokoto and Zamfara States during follow-up operations, while another 29 captives regained freedom in Benue and Taraba States under Operation Whirl Stroke.

“Additionally, in Delta and Rivers States, troops rescued two victims during offensive operations in Sapele, Aniocha North, Ughelli, Ahoada, and Onelga LGAs,” Kangye added.

In the course of the operations, he said troops also killed scores of terrorists, arrested over 50 suspects, and recovered arms, ammunition, logistics supplies, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and the sum of N70,050.

He added that several Improvised Explosive Devices were also safely detonated in parts of Borno State.

Kangye said a key member of the notorious Abu Ayuba terrorist syndicate surrendered to Nigerian troops in Borno State amid intensified military operations.

“Following the intensity of our gallant troops’ firefights, a terrorist fighter belonging to the Abu Ayuba syndicate surrendered to troops in Kwayari village in Kaga LGA of Borno State on 20 August 2025.

“The terrorist surrendered weapon and ammunition and is willing to cooperate in non-kinetic negotiation for other members of the syndicate to surrender,” he added.

Kangye also said troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled a large-scale oil theft estimated at N443,153,650.

“The troops intercepted 294,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 188,450 litres of illegally refined AGO, while also discovering and destroying 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 8 boats, 16 storage tanks, and 12 illegal refining sites.

“Other items recovered include pumping machines, mobile phones, three tricycles and four vehicles. Furthermore, 33 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms, ammunition and explosives were also recovered,” Kangye concluded. (The PUNCH)