Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have rescued three kidnapped victims following an operation along the Ogobia-Otukpo axis of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The rescue operation was carried out at about 8 a.m. on August 14, 2026, by troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Otukpo, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The development was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Saturday night.

According to the report, the troops were alerted to a kidnapping incident in the area and immediately moved to the scene.

“On arrival, the security personnel found a bus abandoned by the suspected kidnappers, with no passengers inside.

“The troops then launched a pursuit of the fleeing suspects.

“During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly abandoned three victims, who were rescued by the troops,” Makama wrote.

Makama also revealed that the driver of the bus was found with a gunshot wound sustained during the attack.

The rescued victims were handed over to the police for further action, while security operatives continued efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two men over alleged possession of stolen cattle and an attempted bribery in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Abdullahi Adamu and 20-year-old Muktashir Idris, are residents of Jarmai Village, Dangi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The spokesman of the command, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the suspects were arrested after two residents of Yalo Village, Alkaleri LGA, reported the rustling of 103 cattle by unknown gunmen in July 2026.

According to the statement, the complainants reported the incident at the Alkaleri Divisional Headquarters on August 6, 2026.

It said police operatives, acting on the report, proceeded to Mararaban Liman Katagum, where the complainants identified three of their missing cattle.

The statement added that a traditional leader in the area subsequently assisted the police in arresting the two suspects, who were brought to the police division on August 7.

During interrogation, Idris allegedly confessed that he was sent by his master, identified as Alaba, to sell the stolen cattle.

The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest Alaba.

The command further disclosed that the investigation uncovered an alleged attempt to compromise the case with N400,000.

According to the police, a brother of one of the complainants informed investigators that Alaba had sent him the money to compromise the case, leading to the recovery of the cash as an exhibit.

The police said the man had earlier promised to assist in facilitating Alaba’s arrest but failed to do so.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.

A 25-year-old suspected Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighter has surrendered to troops in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State after spending about eight months with the terrorist group.

The development was reported by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, citing military sources.

The surrendered fighter was identified as Ali Gambo Kanuri, a native of Ngarinna village in Monguno LGA.

According to the report, Gambo joined the terrorist group about eight months ago after he was introduced by a friend.

Makama said he later became disillusioned with life inside the group and decided to leave.

“The former fighter was subsequently transferred to the appropriate authorities for further action in line with established procedures for persons who voluntarily disengage from terrorist groups,” the report stated.

Gambo reportedly made his way out of the terrorist-controlled area and surrendered to troops in Monguno town, where he was taken into custody for further processing.