Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 138 kidnapped individuals and apprehended several terrorist collaborators in a series of operations spanning Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
A military source, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), described the coordinated missions as a major stride in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.
In Zamfara State, troops from the 1 Brigade, working alongside local vigilante groups, rescued 106 victims—including 85 girls, eight women, and 13 boys—on July 20 near Mayanchi village. The victims were reportedly abandoned by terrorists fleeing superior firepower and have since been handed over to local authorities for reunification.
In a separate operation that same day, 32 additional victims, comprising 27 adult women and five boys, were released to the Office of the National Security Adviser. Troops also recovered five AK-47 rifles and one DUSHKA heavy machine gun during the engagement.
A known terrorist collaborator was arrested in Tofa village, Maru Local Government Area, in connection with ransom negotiations and logistics support for armed groups, the source said.
In Adamawa State, troops from the 144 Battalion, aided by local hunters and hybrid forces, ambushed fleeing insurgents in Madagali, recovering materials used in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including detonators, plastic explosives, and batteries.
Further east in Borno State, troops from the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Monguno Local Government Area. Soldiers recovered an RPG bomb, ammunition, and other weapons during the clearance operation.
On July 20, a joint operation involving Sector 3 forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) led to the arrest of an alleged ISWAP informant in Abari, also in Monguno. A day earlier, troops apprehended a suspected drug courier near Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area with illicit substances including tramadol and diazepam.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to defending national territory and restoring peace in conflict-affected regions. The source thanked local communities for their cooperation and urged continued vigilance.
