Troops neutralise terrorists, foil kidnap attempts across multiple operations

Crime Diary

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (Agency Report) — Nigerian troops have stepped up operations across theatres, neutralising terrorists, thwarting kidnap attempts and recovering arms, livestock and other items in coordinated offensives within the past 24 hours.

Operational updates released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) confirmed that troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), achieved notable successes in Borno State.

According to the report, troops of 202 Battalion on Tuesday neutralised two suspected terrorists during an ambush along the Aulari–Kawuri axis in Bama Local Government Area. Surveillance cameras had earlier detected the terrorists advancing towards Yale Forest, prompting troops to engage and eliminate them.

In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded gains in Zamfara and Katsina states. The report noted that 1 Brigade Quick Response Force neutralised one terrorist during a patrol in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara, recovering seven mobile phones.

“Similarly, troops of 17 Brigade responded to terrorist activities in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina, recovering two pump-action guns and cartridges. In a related operation, troops, working with police and local hunters, repelled terrorists in Malumfashi, forcing them to flee and recovering 19 rustled livestock, which were handed over to local authorities,” the statement said.

In Kwara State, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD foiled a kidnap attempt in Patigi Local Government Area, rescuing a victim and arresting two suspected kidnappers. Two single-barrel guns were also recovered.

(NAN).