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Army Rescues 46 Kidnapped Victims, Neutralises Suspected Militia Member

Published

3 weeks ago

September 30, 2026

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 46 kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected militia member in separate operations in the last 24 hours across the country.

An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Tuesday, said troops also recovered firearms, disrupted terrorist activities and rescued other victims during the period.

In Zamfara, the report said the troops of Combat Team 7 responded to terrorist activities around Fegen Baza and Setraco Company in Tsafe Local Government Area.

It said the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon 41 civilians and withdraw towards adjoining farmlands.

According to the report, preliminary investigation revealed that one of the vehicles assaulted was reportedly travelling from Senegal to Kano State.

“Also in Kebbi, troops of 223 Battalion operating from Forward Operating Base Bena responded to information on terrorists moving with suspected kidnapped victims around Sawade village, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

“The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee towards Dan Lai Forest and abandon two kidnapped victims.

“The victims were rescued and handed over to the District Head of Bena for further action,” it said.

The report revealed that troops of 45 Battalion and vigilantes, during a fighting patrol around Alabani village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger, engaged terrorists and forced them to abandon kidnapped victims.

According to the report, one vigilante sustained a gunshot wound but was reported to be in stable condition.

In Anambra, it said the troops of 185 Battalion, in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) and vigilantes, rescued three civilians kidnapped at Osaukwa Bridge, Ihiala Local Government Area.

“Troops of Operation UDO KA also conducted an offensive operation against an alleged Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) camp at Ugbene, Awka North Local Government Area.

“The operation was supported by troops of 197 Special Forces Battalion, Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and DSS, with close air support.

“The troops engaged the suspected terrorists after drone surveillance confirmed that improvised explosive devices had been laid along the route to the camp,” it said.

The report said casualties among the terrorists could not be confirmed because of the thick vegetation.

It added that troops trailed the kidnappers and forced them to abandon their victims along the route before fleeing into surrounding bushes.

In Plateau, the army said that troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) engaged suspected militias at Rugan Jallo following an earlier attack on three women along Rakung road, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

It said the troops neutralised one suspected militia member and recovered two motorcycles.

“In Taraba, troops of 114 Battalion, in conjunction with a Defence Intelligence Agency composite team, raided an illegal arms store at Abbare, Lau Local Government Area.

“The operation yielded one K2 rifle, one K2 magazine, one submachine gun, one magazine, 10 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and six rounds of 9mm ammunition,” the report said.

In Delta, it said the troops of 63 Brigade Garrison arrested a suspected criminal carrying a firearm along the Issele-Asaba road in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

According to the report, the suspect was arrested while allegedly loitering around Cubana Estate with a group of persons.

It added that the suspect and recovered firearm were handed over to 63 Provost Company for further investigation.

“Meanwhile, the army operationalised 12 and 28 Infantry Battalions at Bakura and Anka Local Government Areas of Zamfara on Sept. 28.

“The Acting Commander, 1 Brigade, who represented the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, charged the troops to remain steadfast in combating insecurity within their area of responsibility,” the report added. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Related Topics:Army kidnapped member militia Neutralises Rescues Suspected victims

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From Super-Sub to World Cup Superstar! Kanyinsola Yusuf Wins FIFA Player of the Match as Flamingos Stun North Korea 3-1

Published

2 hours ago

October 23, 2026

PlateauReports

WhatsApp Image 2026 10 23 at 6.30.41 PM.jpeg

Nigeria’s teenage sensation Kanyinsola Yusuf has emerged as one of the standout performers at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after winning the Player of the Match award in the Flamingos’ sensational 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea on Friday.

The prestigious individual recognition crowned an unforgettable afternoon for Yusuf, whose second-half goal helped Nigeria dismantle the tournament favourites and secure a place in the Round of 16.

Yusuf struck in the 56th minute to give Nigeria a commanding three-goal advantage, completing a remarkable attacking display against opponents who had scored 12 goals in their opening two group matches.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi had opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 38th minute, leaving the defending champions stunned at half-time.

North Korea pulled a goal back through Yu Jong Hyang’s 82nd-minute penalty, but the Flamingos held firm to record a famous victory.

For Yusuf, the individual honour represents another significant moment in a rapidly developing World Cup campaign.

The youngster had already made an impact in Nigeria’s opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, coming off the bench and helping spark a late fightback, before playing her part in the team’s recovery.

Her emergence adds another exciting dimension to coach Akeem Busari’s squad, which has transformed its fortunes after beginning the tournament with defeat.

Nigeria followed that setback with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before producing Friday’s stunning performance against the reigning champions.

Yusuf’s award also means Nigerian players have claimed the Player of the Match prize in consecutive victories, following Adegbuyi’s recognition against Puerto Rico.

With the Flamingos now through to the knockout stage, Yusuf’s growing influence could prove crucial as Nigeria chase a historic first title.

From an impact substitute against Poland to a match-winning star against North Korea, Yusuf is rapidly making her name on the world stage.

Business

BOI to expand financing for agriculture, healthcare manufacturing in 2027

Published

3 hours ago

October 23, 2026

PlateauReports

Bank of Industry Corporate Office BOI Tower II in Abuja Nigeria.png

The Bank of Industry (BOI) said it will expand financing for agriculture, local healthcare manufacturing and digital businesses in 2027.

The bank stated this as it seeks to consolidate the gains of its 2025–2027 corporate strategy and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial development.

The bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olasupo Olusi, disclosed the plan on Thursday at a meeting in Lagos, where he outlined the bank’s priorities for the final year of the strategy.

Mr Olusi said BOI would work with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment on the National Industrial Finance Compact to attract more long-term capital into Nigeria’s industrial sector.

He also said the bank would deploy its new European Investment Bank facilities to agriculture and local healthcare manufacturing to increase domestic production of food and medicines.

The funding includes €85 million secured from the European Investment Bank for agriculture and another €50 million for healthcare manufacturing in 2026, as part of more than €2.2 billion in new funding the bank has secured for Nigerian industry since 2024.

READ ALSO: BOI supports 1.68m jobs as lending rises 26% to ₦644.9 billion

“We will deploy our new European Investment Bank facilities into agriculture and local healthcare manufacturing, so that Nigeria produces more of the food and medicines it consumes,” he said.

The bank also plans to expand its information and communications technology (ICT) and digital economy portfolio through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme.

Mr Olusi said the initiatives formed part of the bank’s efforts to consolidate its achievements and meet the targets of its 2025–2027 corporate strategy.

“2027 is the final year of our strategy, and our task is to consolidate and meet every target we set,” the BOI boss, Mr Olusi, said.

BOI said it disbursed N644.9 billion in 2025, reaching 12,501 businesses and supporting 1.68 million jobs.