Troops Rescue Two Abductees Near Gwoza, Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised), in collaboration with personnel of the 26 Task Force Brigade, have rescued two abductees around the Kuranabasa axis of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the rescue operation was conducted at about 2:35 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2026.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims had been held captive at a suspected terrorist camp in Chikide, within the Mandara Mountains.

The two rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the officials of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gwoza for further assistance and necessary action.

The rescue forms part of ongoing military efforts to locate and free people held captive by terrorist groups operating around the Mandara Mountains and other parts of the North-East.

Further investigations are expected to establish the circumstances of the abduction and determine whether other victims remain in captivity.

Troops Rescue Two Abductees Near Gwoza, Borno

ISWAP Fighter, Wife and Son Surrender to Troops in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

A member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army alongside his wife and son in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the fighter surrendered at about 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 16, 2026, to troops of the 202 Battalion ahead of the Bravo Kilo 16 location in Bama.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the fighter escaped from a terrorist enclave in Zarmari Village, around Bula Daloye in the same local government area.

He reportedly attributed his decision to surrender to internal conflicts within the terrorist group and logistical difficulties arising from ongoing military operations against the insurgents.

The troops recovered one pump-action gun, two cartridges and a mobile phone from the surrendered fighter.

The fighter, his wife and son, alongside the recovered items, are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

The development highlights the continued pressure on terrorist networks operating in the North-East, as military operations target their camps, logistics and freedom of movement.

Further screening is expected to establish the fighter’s operational background and provide additional intelligence on ISWAP activities in the area.

ISWAP Fighter, Wife and Son Surrender to Troops in Borno

Troops Rescue 27 Kidnap Victims, Including Six-Month-Old Baby, in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, including a six-month-old infant, following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation was conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade under the Joint Task Force (North West) after receiving a distress call from residents of Gamji community at about 12:25 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2026, reporting the activities of suspected terrorists in the area.

Security sources said the troops immediately mobilised to the community but the suspected terrorists had fled into the surrounding bushes with their captives before the soldiers arrived.

The troops subsequently launched a pursuit through Gangare Village towards Kamba Village, where they made contact with the fleeing suspects at about 6:05 p.m.

The soldiers engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee in disarray into the surrounding bushes.

A subsequent search of the area led to the successful rescue of all 27 victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females, including the six-month-old infant.
The rescued victims were later handed over to the village head of Gamji, Alhaji Falalu Suleiman, following preliminary investigations.

The sources said no casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation, while the casualty status of the suspected terrorists remained unconfirmed.

They added that troops had continued aggressive patrols across the general area to prevent further criminal activities, deny the suspected terrorists freedom of action and enhance the safety of residents.

The successful rescue underscores the importance of timely intelligence from local communities and rapid military response in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other security threats in the North-West.

Troops Rescue 27 Kidnap Victims, Including Six-Month-Old Baby, in Katsina