24 relatives of ISWAP terrorists surrender to troops in Borno

Police rescued 13 individuals who had been held hostage for eight days in the forested areas of Benue State, according to a statement released by the state police command. The victims were passengers aboard an 18-seater commercial bus traveling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi, Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area. The abduction took place on the night of August 13, 2026, and the hostages were finally freed during a nighttime operation on August 20, 2026, near Amla-Cho Forest in Otukpo Local Government Area. The rescue operation, which concluded with the safe retrieval of all 13 victims, was carried out by a joint tactical team operating under the state police command. According to the statement issued by the spokesperson, Peter Aondongu, the operation was preceded by five days of intensive search and rescue efforts. During these operations, security forces engaged the perpetrators in a gunfight, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect and the seizure of an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition. The rescued individuals were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment and then transported back to their respective destinations via a chartered bus. The police command has since announced that they are continuing their pursuit of the remaining suspects, who are believed to have fled the scene under cover of darkness. The commissioner of police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the bravery and persistence of the officers involved in the operation, emphasizing that the force remains dedicated to safeguarding the lives and properties of the populace. He also called upon the local community to maintain vigilance and provide any relevant information that might aid in the apprehension of the fugitives. In addition to the rescue in Benue, broader military operations across the nation have yielded notable results. According to a statement by the Defence Headquarters, troops nationwide have rescued at least 59 kidnapped individuals and neutralized 11 terrorists during operations between August 14 and August 20, 2026. These operations spanned various regions, including the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, and others, with each operation contributing to the disruption of criminal networks and the protection of civilians. In Borno State, a separate operation resulted in the surrender of 24 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. These individuals were identified and documented by troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion, following clashes within the terrorist organization. Additionally, in Kaduna State, troops thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Jurawa Village, where a female resident was abducted and later rescued after locals intervened, though some suspects were found dead and mutilated. Across different parts of the country, military units have also taken measures to combat crime and terrorism. In Plateau State, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and other contraband during raids, while in the South-South, operations led to the arrest of suspected cultists and the confiscation of illicit fuel. These actions underscore the ongoing efforts by security forces to address threats to public safety and restore order. The federal government, alongside the Borno State administration, continues to prioritize the safe return of 44 schoolchildren who were abducted from Mussa Central Primary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. Governor Babagana Zulum recently met with the children's parents in Maiduguri, reaffirming the government’s commitment to securing their release. This effort involves close coordination between the Nigerian Armed Forces and local authorities, reflecting a unified approach to addressing the crisis affecting the region.