DHQ: TROOPS RESCUE 70 KIDNAP VICTIMS, RECOVER N10M RANSOM IN ONE WEEK

The Defence Headquarters says troops rescued 70 abducted people and recovered ₦10 million suspected to be ransom money during operations across Nigeria between October 15 and 22, 2026.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in the military’s weekly operational update.

According to Onoja, those freed included 27 villagers in Gamji, Katsina State, and 29 farmers in Mariga, Niger State.

He said troops recovered the suspected ransom money in Kano State as part of efforts to disrupt kidnapping networks.

The military also reported the arrest of a wanted suspected terrorist leader in Mokwa, Niger State.

In Imo State, troops arrested five suspected members of a syndicate allegedly responsible for abducting prospective National Youth Service Corps members.

Onoja said the operations formed part of sustained efforts to restrict the activities of terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners and other armed groups across the country.

He added that the Armed Forces remained focused on rescuing captives, dismantling criminal networks and improving security in affected communities.