148 Kidnap Victims Released From Zamfara Forest — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said terrorists on Thursday, May 27, 2026, released 148 kidnapped victims from a forest in Zamfara State after about three months in captivity.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on military operations covering May 25–28, noting that the victims comprised two adult males and 146 women and children.

He said the victims were freed by terrorists suspected to be operating from the Kuyambana Forest and were initially abducted from Galma Village in Wamba District of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

“On 27 May 2026, a total of 148 kidnapped victims comprising two adult males and 146 women and children were released from captivity by terrorists suspected to be operating from the Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara State,” he said.

Onoja said preliminary findings indicated that the victims had been in captivity for over three months before their release.

According to him, the freed victims were escorted to the headquarters of their local government area in Bangi, where they were handed over to authorities for reunification with their families.

He also provided updates on other military operations across the country, saying troops in the North-East killed 11 terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Alhaji Gambo in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.

In the North-West, he said troops rescued 32 kidnapped victims and killed three terrorists during separate operations.

In the North-Central, troops reportedly rescued two kidnapped victims, killed one suspect and arrested a suspected drug dealer in Makurdi.

In the South-East, he said troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN kingpin known as “Dragon,” along with another suspect, Mr. Amachi Opete, recovering items including a military belt and two berets bearing IPOB/ESN insignia.

Onoja added that two other suspects arrested in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, were handed over to troops after being intercepted while allegedly attempting to steal farm produce and abduct female farmers.

The suspects reportedly claimed to be from Port Harcourt and initially said they were involved in illegal bunkering, a claim the military said was inconsistent with the circumstances of their arrest.

He said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing investigation.