Twenty five children who were among the 336 persons kidnapped by the terrorists in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states died in captivity and they were buried in the forest.

Lawmaker representing  Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena state constituency of Kaiama local government in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed disclosed this yesterday while speaking on the conditions of the 315 kidnap victims who regained their freedom on Thursday night after spending six months in captivity.

The figure comprises 308 victims rescued from terrorist captivity in the forests of Kwara and Niger states and seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade in Ogun state who were abducted last week.

The lawmaker, in an interview told Saturday Vanguard that 12 of the youths joined the terrorists’ army and were not among those released by the terrorists. According to him, “The terrorists asked the youths who among them would like to join their army and 12 of them volunteered to join them. So, those youths are not among those who were released.

“25 children from Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states also died in captivity and some died in transit and they were buried there. A total of 176 victims were kidnapped from Kwara state and 163 regained their freedom. 15 of the victims are still missing now.

“Also, none of the women came with pregnancy but two women who were kidnapped with pregnancy came back with two babies. We checked them properly and discovered that none of them is pregnant, because they told us that their abductors didn’t touch them. But two women who were abducted with pregnancy came back with two babies“.

Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed said that those who were set free arrived in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital and 46 of them were receiving medical attention at the hospital. He also said that the state government was taking care of them to ascertain their state of health before reuniting them with their families.

The lawmaker then commended the state and the federal governments for their efforts in ensuring that the abductees returned home safely.

The victims who were abducted during the deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State were received at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin before being moved to an undisclosed location where they spent the night.

The victims were kidnapped when armed terrorists invaded the community on February 3 this year, killing scores of residents and whisking away the victims into the forest, triggering widespread outrage and intensified security operations. Following sustained military operations and coordinated efforts by security agencies, the victims regained their freedom and were transported from Niger State to Ilorin late Thursday night.

The rescued victims were expected to be officially handed over to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has consistently engaged security authorities to ensure their safe return.

Their arrival marks a major breakthrough in the months-long efforts to secure the release of the abductees, while authorities continue to verify the number of those rescued and provide necessary care and support.

Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state while receiving the victims of Woro attack in Ilorin yesterday described the February bloody event as not only sad, but regrettable. The governor received the victims who are mostly kids and women, from the 22 Armoured Brigade Commander Brigadier General Nicholas Rume.

Mallam AbdulRazaq also hailed President Bola Tinubu for his swift response and assistance to the state. He added that the president had approved the establishment of five Army Battalions in Omu-Aran, Patigi, Ilemona, Kosubosu and Kaiama. (Vanguard)

During operations against economic saboteurs, three reactivated illegal refinery sites were discovered and dismantled while a total of 251,600 litres of stolen crude were recovered and 12 dug-out pits for storage were destroyed.

Detailing the encounters, Onoja said, “In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai deployed at Dutsen Kura while sustaining robust operation, on 31 July 2026, foiled terrorists’ attempt to abduct civilians along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu LGA of Borno State.

“Troops pursued the fleeing terrorists towards Mangari-Dora and rescued 31 persons, comprising 22 adult males, 5 adult females and 4 children. Four vehicles and one motorcycle belonging to the terrorists were also confiscated.

“On the same day, a suspected terrorist informant was apprehended at Garaha Market in Hong LGA of Adamawa State.

“On 1 August 2026, troops on routine clearance patrol near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA of Borno State rescued two women and two children who had been held since the 2023 farming season at a terrorist enclave.

“The victims were subsequently handed over to the community head of Ngoshe.

“Between 2 – 4 August 2026, several family members of suspected terrorists surrendered while some were intercepted in Gwoza, Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State.

“Additionally, a group of 20 persons surrendered to troops at Kwuari in Konduga LGA of Borno State.

“On 3 August 2026, troops arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Monguno LGA of Borno State, recovering assorted foodstuffs and provisions destined for terrorists in Kukawa LGA of Borno State.

“Similarly, another terrorist logistics supplier was arrested at Gwalaram Village in Magumeri LGA on 4 August 2026.

“In a separate operation conducted on 3 August 2026, troops rescued Miss Blessing Tuggur, an 18-year-old victim abducted in November 2025 at Dogoba Kopre axis in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State.

“The victim was subsequently reunited with her family after receiving medical attention.

“On the same day, a suspect was arrested at Kan Lamba village in Darazo LGA of Bauchi State, for allegedly attempting to procure firearms.

“Similarly, a suspected terrorist informant was arrested at Dzangola Kilba in Hong LGA of Adamawa State, on 5 August 2026.

“In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma on 2 August 2026, responded to the movement of suspected terrorists transiting through Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, from Hadeija.

‘Following a snap operation, the troops successfully intercepted and arrested 21 persons attempting to cross into Birnin Kebbi.

“Upon profiling the arrested persons, five suspects were identified as terrorists and handed over to the Department of State Services, while the remaining passengers were released to continue their journey.

“On 6 August 2026, troops arrested four suspects at Darusa Village Market in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State. Items recovered from the arrest include six rustled cattle, mobile phones and the sum of ₦165,000 believed to be proceeds of the intended sale.

“In a major air interdiction operation, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted surveillance over Kampani Bobi and Beri Settlement in Mariga LGA of Niger State, on 6 August 2026.

“This was followed by a precision air strike that neutralised scores of terrorists who had assembled with about 15 motorcycles in preparation for hostile activity.

Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the neutralisation of the terrorists, with secondary explosions indicating the destruction of additional logistics and equipment, including explosive ordnance.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, in sustained operations against armed criminal elements in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States, apprehended a suspected gun runner, Mr Victor Idoko, at North Bank in Makurdi LGA of Benue State, on 31 July 2026.

“This led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and other items at his residence.

“On the same day, troops rescued seven kidnapped victims in Ukum LGA of Benue State. The victims, who are all indigenes of Tela Village in Gassol LGA of Taraba State, had been abducted along the Wukari-Zaki-Biam Road on 13 July 2026. All rescued victims have since been reunited with their families.

“On 1 August 2026, troops destroyed a hideout linked to a terrorist leader named Mathew aka “Full Fire” at Sabongida Leke village in Ukum LGA, and arrested five persons suspected to be associates of the wanted terrorist leader.

“Relatedly, a coordinated operation by troops on 5 August 2026 at Gbede village in the same LGA led to one terrorist neutralized.

“On 1 August 2026, troops intercepted a motorcycle conveying two women at Yelwa village in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State, and recovered ten AK-47 magazines with 551 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, while a separate arrest at Doma town also led the discovery of twelve rounds of AK 47 ammunition. Both cases were handed over to the Police for further action.

“On the same day, troops and local security groups responded to a kidnap incident at Oke Ere community in Yagba West LGA. Troops engaged the terrorists and neutralised one while the others fled, thereby rescuing two of the four abducted victims unharmed.

“However, a member of the local security group was tragically killed in action. Efforts are being made to rescue the remaining two victims.

In the North Central geopolitical zone, troops of Operation Savanna Shield recorded a major rescue success in a joint operation within the Kainji Lake National Park, Borgu LGA of Niger State.

“This feat was achieved on 5 August 2026, where Three Hundred and Eight abducted victims, mainly women and children, were rescued.

“One Hundred and Sixty-Three of the victims were indigenes of Woro village, Kwara State, while One Hundred and Forty-Five were from Niger State.

“In another operation on 4 August 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant at Nuku community in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State.

“Similarly, from 5 – 6 August 2026, troops conducted operations at Kamfanin Bobi village in Mariga LGA of Niger State, and engaged terrorists moving from Zamfara State with the intent of launching a reprisal attack on a military base.

“The ensuing engagement forced the terrorists to withdraw and resulted in one terrorist killed and nine motorcycles confiscated, with no casualties recorded by troops.

“Troops continue to operate in the area to deny the terrorists any freedom of action.

“Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in continued efforts to stem communal and terrorist-related violence, on 6 August 2026, arrested a youth leader named Zakari Yahu Adamu at Fadan Chanwei in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, in connection with the recent terrorist attack on Naridon community.

“The suspect is currently undergoing further investigation to establish the full circumstances of the attack.

In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe on 30 July 2026, responded to a kidnap incident along the Lagos-Benin Road in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State, pursuing the perpetrators and rescuing 11 victims unhurt, who were subsequently reassured before being encouraged to continue their journey.

“In a sustained maritime offensive under Operation Delta Sentinel, troops dismantled three reactivated illegal refining sites in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Axis of Rivers State between 1 – 2 August 2026.

“An approximated 61,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, comprising 43,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, concealed within 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, were discovered at the site and handled.

“On 5 August 2026, troops discovered 85,300 litres of crude oil products in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Axis of Rivers State.

“Furthermore, on 6 August 2026, OPDS troops conducted an offensive operation to Oteghele Axis of Delta State, where 105,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil products were discovered and handled in accordance with the OPDS Mandate.

“In the South East, following sustained pursuit after an ambush on troops on 4 May 2026, that resulted in the death of one soldier and injury of another, troops of Operation Udoka conducted offensives that led to the arrest of one Mr Abire on 30 July 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“Information obtained from the suspect led to further operations in Opaebe, Oleh, in Delta State on 31 July 2026, where the principal suspects, Mr Albert Tony (aka Chiboy), Temple Eburua (aka Marathon) and Vitalis Eburua (aka Onowu), were apprehended.

“The suspects subsequently led troops to camps at Ohaji/Egbema and Umudike Plantation, where weapons used during the earlier ambush, alongside additional arms and ammunition, were discovered and confiscated.

“On 1 August 2026, a militant leader known as Comedy voluntarily surrendered a cache of arms buried in Egbema, Imo State, through the State Amnesty Chairman.

“On the same day, troops conducted a search operation near Ihuonyia community in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, following an earlier attack on Fulani herders, arresting five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and destroying their hideout at Amansioda Ndiagu Oghe Forest.

“In a follow-up operation, troops confiscated two General Purpose Machine Guns with ammunition and an Improvised Explosive Device.

“On 4 August 2026, troops foiled a kidnap attempt along the Nsukka-Obollo road in Udenu LGA of Enugu State. The victim’s abandoned vehicle was discovered while the perpetrators were engaged with weapon’s fire, thereby forcing the criminals to abandon their victim and flee.

“Furthermore, Major General Onoja said, “The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede extends his profound appreciation to troops across all theatres of operation for their discipline and commitment to the defence of the nation.

“He commends the sustained collaboration between the Armed Forces and other security agencies, including the local security groups and other stakeholders, which has continued to yield positive results in the ongoing campaign against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

“The CDS further commends the media for their continued professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations, and urges members of the public to continue providing useful information to troops to enhance the security architecture nationwide.

“The CDS assures all Nigerians of the resolve of the Armed Forces to sustain the current tempo of operations until peace and stability are fully restored across all theatres.”