The Nigerian Army has arrested 20 suspects and rescued nine kidnapped victims during coordinated operations carried out across the North East, North West and North Central regions within 24 hours.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Army said the operations were conducted within the preceding 24 hours, spanning Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The Army said the operations also led to the recovery of an AK 47 rifle, ammunition and other items linked to criminal activities, as troops intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.
“In a series of high intensity operations conducted over the last 24 hours, the Nigerian Army has further decimated criminal networks across the country, resulting in the arrest of 20 high profile suspects, the recovery of an AK 47 rifle with specialised ammunition and the rescue of nine kidnapped victims,” the statement read.
The Army added that the operations significantly disrupted terrorist activities across multiple regions.
“These synchronised strikes across the North East, North West and North Central theatres have effectively disrupted terrorist logistics chains and denied remnants of these groups any breathing space,” it stated.
In the North East, troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade carried out operations in Borno State, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects, including individuals linked to a notorious kidnapper identified as Baba Ali. The Army said troops also recovered materials suspected to be used for improvised explosive devices, including bags of fertiliser.
The statement further noted that insurgents were forced to abandon their positions in Marte Local Government Area during the operation.
“Simultaneously, a combined force in Marte LGA forced a group of insurgents to flee their positions, abandoning bicycles and essential supplies during the encounter,” it added.
In the North West, troops conducted operations in Kaduna State, where they recovered rustled livestock and rescued victims.
“Most significantly, troops engaged terrorists at Lahin Dan Auta, successfully rescuing three kidnapped victims who have since been reunited with their families, demonstrating the Army’s rapid response capability,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, in the North Central region, operations in Benue State targeted suspected traffickers and armed groups.
“A targeted raid in Gwer West led to the rescue of six victims and the arrest of a suspected trafficker. Furthermore, a patrol in Guma LGA resulted in the arrest of three terrorists and the recovery of one AK 47 rifle, two magazines and 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” it stated.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property nationwide, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information.
