Nigerian troops have neutralised nine terrorists in a precision air strike in Borno and apprehended six suspected kidnappers and terrorist logistics suppliers receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in Plateau.

This is contained in a Military Operational Report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Friday.

The report stated that the successes were recorded during ongoing operations across the North-East, North-Central and other theatres.

It noted that an Air Interdiction Mission, codenamed GUARDIAN, tracked three motorcycles conveying nine terrorists around Mai Hisari Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno.

It added that the aircraft conducted a precision strike, destroying the motorcycles and neutralising all nine terrorists.

The report also revealed that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested six suspected kidnappers and terrorist logistics suppliers at a hospital in Jos South Local Government Area.

It said the suspects, who were receiving treatment for gunshot and machete wounds are in military custody for further investigation.

“Troops also arrested a Fulani youth leader in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna over alleged links to a recent terrorist attack on Naridon Community.

“In Benue, troops conducting offensive operations in Ukum Local Government Area made contact with suspected terrorists, killing one while others fled.

“The troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a motorcycle and other items during the operation.

“Meanwhile, troops responding to an attack on herders in Guma Local Government Area of Benue arrested a suspect accused of macheting a herder, while the injured victim was evacuated for medical treatment,” it said.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recovered six rustled cows and ₦165,000 during an intelligence-led operation in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation also led to the arrest of four suspected members or collaborators of the Lakurawa terrorist network.

This was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama on Friday.

According to the report, troops from Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out the operation at Darusa Village Market on the morning of Thursday, following intelligence that suspected terrorists had entered the market to sell stolen livestock.

“The troops moved into the market, identified the suspects and arrested them before the transaction could be completed.

“Apart from the six cows and the cash, the troops also recovered two mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspected illegal livestock business,” Makama wrote.

The suspects were identified as Usman Bammo, 45, from Huss Village in Gudu LGA; Muhammadu Dage, 25, from Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State; Ali Usman, 23, from Binji LGA; and Abubakar Garba, 30, from Silame LGA, all in the North-West.

Military sources said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were believed to be members or collaborators of the Lakurawa network, which has been linked to cattle rustling and other criminal activities in Sokoto and neighbouring states.

The suspects remain in military custody for questioning and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Thirteen residents of the 176 persons abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack by armed bandits on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State remain missing, despite the release of most of the captives after about six months in captivity.

The National Chairman of Kaiama Department Association, KDA, Yakubu Salihu, disclosed this on Thursday, saying only 163 of the 176 women and children abducted during the attack regained their freedom on Wednesday, leaving 13 others still unaccounted for.

“One hundred and seventy-six people were taken away, but only 163 were released. That leaves 13 people still missing. Where are the others?” Salihu asked.

Woro community came under attack on February 3 when armed kidnappers reportedly killed over 100 people and abducted 176 residents, mostly women and children.

Salihu disclosed that some of the women gave birth while in captivity, describing the development as a painful reminder of the traumatic ordeal the victims endured over the past six months.

He said the freed victims are currently in Niger State and are expected to return to Kwara on or before Saturday, where they will receive medical care and be supported through rehabilitation and resettlement programmes.

The KDA chairman renewed his call on the Federal Government to expedite the establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in Kaiama, saying the shortage of security personnel has left communities in the area vulnerable to recurring attacks.

“The Federal Government is working towards establishing a Nigerian Army battalion in our community. As a community, we are ready to provide a suitable location and every support needed to ensure the military settles in quickly and begins operations,” he added.

According to him, the few security personnel deployed to the area are overstretched and unable to respond effectively to emergencies.

“If the Federal Government can expedite the establishment of the military base, we are ready to provide every necessary support to ensure its smooth take-off.

” Once the battalion becomes operational, security response will be faster, and we believe it will go a long way in preventing similar attacks,” Salihu stated.

He stressed that a permanent military presence is critical to restoring residents’ confidence and safeguarding communities against future attacks.

Salihu also appealed to governments at all levels to rehabilitate the deplorable road network in Kaiama Local Government Area, noting that poor roads continue to hamper security operations and hinder socio-economic development in the area.