World · Africa · 1 day ago
Nigeria’s military says it killed 36 militants and rescued 50 abducted people
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters says troops killed 36 militants and rescued at least 50 abducted people in operations across the country from 2 to 8 October.
The military said it also arrested suspected militants and people accused of helping them.
In Borno and Yobe, troops said they killed 26 militants and foiled an attempted assault on Kukawa in Borno State.
In Kebbi State, troops said they killed 10 Lakurawa fighters, while operations in other states included rescues in Imo, Katsina and Kaduna.
The rescued people included 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo and three people held for seven years.
The military also said a joint security team killed senior ISWAP commander Abdussamad Ohida in Ondo State.
The Chief of Defence Staff urged troops to stay alert and called for stronger cooperation among security agencies and communities.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters says troops killed 36 terrorists and rescued at least 50 abducted people during operations from 2 to 8 October.
The military said the operations took place across the country and also led to arrests of suspected terrorists and collaborators.
Troops killed 26 terrorists in Borno and Yobe, including 25 who tried to enter Kukawa town.
In Kebbi State, troops killed 10 Lakurawa fighters and recovered weapons and other equipment.
In Imo State, troops rescued 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members who had been abducted.
- Who
- Nigerian military troops, according to the Defence Headquarters.
- What
- The military said troops killed 36 terrorists, rescued at least 50 abducted people and arrested suspected terrorists and collaborators.
- When
- From 2 to 8 October. The statement was reported on 10 October 2026.
- Where
- Across Nigeria, including Borno, Yobe, Kebbi, Imo and Ondo states.
- Why
- The military said the operations aimed to dismantle terrorist networks, rescue abducted citizens and disrupt criminal logistics.
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They also rescued 18 kidnap victims in Katsina and a seven-year-old boy abducted in Kaduna, while arresting suspected terrorists and collaborators.
The victims were rescued at Ndegwu Community in Owerri West LGA following sustained pressure by troops and other security agencies.
A combined security team killed senior ISWAP commander Abdussamad Ohida in Owo forest, Ondo State.
Troops conducted operations across the country, which the military said resulted in 36 terrorists killed and at least 50 people rescued.
Premium Times reported the Defence Headquarters’ account of the operations.
- Terrorists killed
- 36
- Abducted people rescued
- At least 50
- Operations period
- 2–8 October
- Kukawa attack
- 25 terrorists were killed while attempting to infiltrate the town
- Imo rescue
- 20 prospective NYSC members were rescued
- Kebbi operation
- 10 Lakurawa terrorists were killed in Maiyama Local Government Area
Sources
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