Troops Rescue LG Official, Free Abducted Worshippers as Military Intensifies Nationwide Operations

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

A senior local government official, Hon. Hamza Musa Durba, has been rescued from a forest hideout in Kano State, as troops also freed three abducted worshippers following a church attack in Ora-Ago, Kwara State. The official, who is the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area, was rescued alongside the victims after separate operations by security forces, highlighting a week of intensified military activity across Nigeria. The church attack, in which nine worshippers were initially taken, saw three regain their freedom shortly after troops and local security groups launched a response.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said troops recorded “significant operational successes” between 20 and 26 March 2026, including arrests, rescues, and the recovery of weapons across multiple theatres.

According to the military, operations in the North East under Operation Hadin Kai led to the arrest of suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Borno, Adamawa and Taraba states. Troops also recovered AK-47 rifles, ammunition and materials believed to support insurgent activities, while intelligence-led missions disrupted planned arms transactions.

In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma forces, backed by air support, carried out offensives in Sokoto and Zamfara states, destroying terrorist hideouts and repelling attacks. The rescue of Hon. Durba in Kano State followed a joint operation with security agencies, during which two suspects were arrested and a rifle recovered.

The military said troops operating in parts of Kwara and Niger states under Operation Savannah Shield responded to the church abduction and also intercepted a suspect carrying materials forimprovised explosive devices. A destroyed bridge in Niger State, believed to have been targeted to disrupt troop movement, was also reported.

Elsewhere in the North Central region, troops under Operation Enduring Peace conducted raids on criminal hideouts, rescued kidnapped victims in Plateau and Kogi states, and arrested suspected militants in Benue State. Weapons, ammunition and other items were recovered during the operations.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops tackling security threats in Benue and surrounding states engaged suspected militants during patrols, neutralising one and arresting several others. Locally fabricated weapons, motorcycles and communication devices were recovered.

In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe targeted illegal oil activities and kidnapping. Troops uncovered and dismantled illegal refining sites inRivers State, recovering thousands of litres of stolen crude and refined products, while suspects linked to kidnapping were arrested in Edo and Cross River states.

Meanwhile, in the South East, Operation Udo Ka forces carried out clearance operations, safely detonating improvised explosive devices and destroying illegal refining infrastructure. Large quantities of illicit petroleum products were also seized.

The military said the combined operations demonstrated improved coordination among security agencies and had helped weaken the operational capacity of armed groups. It added that sustained offensives were enabling displaced communities to return home and resume farming activities in some areas.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their efforts and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely information, reaffirming the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country.