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Troops Arrest 120 Suspects, Rescue 41 Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations, Military Says
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters said Thursday that troops arrested more than 120 suspects, including 26 alleged terrorist collaborators, and rescued 41 kidnapped victims during nationwide operations carried out between Sept. 14 and 22.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The announcement came as security forces stepped up efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other crimes across the country. Military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edward Buba said the operations targeted terrorist hideouts, criminal networks, and armed groups threatening communities.
Key Operations
According to the Defence Headquarters, troops carried out multiple raids and patrols in the north-central, north-east, north-west, and southern regions. The actions led to the arrest of kidnappers, gunrunners, and other armed criminals, while also freeing dozens of people held in captivity.
In the north-east, security forces confronted fighters linked to extremist groups operating in Borno and Yobe states. Several terrorists were reported killed in airstrikes and ground clashes. Weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment were seized.
In the north-west, where kidnapping for ransom has become widespread, soldiers rescued dozens of villagers abducted by armed gangs. The Defence Headquarters said the hostages were safely reunited with their families after receiving medical checks.
Across the middle belt and southern regions, troops dismantled illegal arms markets, arrested cult members, and disrupted smuggling networks. Officials said the arrests included 26 suspected collaborators who had been providing support to terrorist groups.
Background on Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Nigeria has faced years of insecurity driven by multiple armed groups. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has expanded into the north-east, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced. In recent years, breakaway factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have intensified attacks on military bases and civilians.
At the same time, rural communities in the north-west and middle belt have been terrorized by bandit gangs who raid villages, kill residents, and kidnap for ransom. These criminal groups often operate with high firepower and exploit weak law enforcement in remote areas.
The Nigerian military has launched several nationwide operations to contain these threats, often combining airstrikes with ground raids. While officials regularly report large numbers of arrests and rescues, analysts say the scale of violence remains high, and many regions continue to face daily insecurity.
Military’s Statement
Maj. Gen. Buba described the latest operations as a sign of progress.
“Our troops are committed to protecting Nigerians from terrorists, kidnappers, and all criminal elements. The arrest of over 120 suspects and the rescue of 41 victims show that we are winning in many areas,” he said.
He added that intelligence gathering and community cooperation played an important role in identifying terrorist collaborators.
“By working with locals and security agencies, we have been able to break the chain of support that allows these groups to operate,” Buba said.
Impact and Next Steps
The military said the rescued victims are receiving medical care and counseling before being returned to their families. Authorities did not release the names of the suspects, but said investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement.
Security experts say continued pressure on armed groups is necessary but warn that a long-term solution requires more than military action. Poverty, unemployment, and weak local governance have created fertile ground for both terrorists and bandits to recruit and operate.
“The military successes are important, but without addressing the root causes of insecurity, the cycle of violence will continue,” said Abuja-based security analyst Kabiru Musa.
The Defence Headquarters urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to local authorities. Officials also promised that operations would continue nationwide to restore peace and stability.
For many Nigerians, especially those living in rural areas, the promise of security remains a pressing concern. Families who recently welcomed home their kidnapped loved ones expressed relief but also fear of future attacks.
“I thank God my daughter is safe, but we are still afraid to go to the farm,” said a farmer from Zamfara state whose child was among those rescued. “We want peace so we can live without fear.”
As the military pushes forward, the government faces pressure to deliver lasting safety across the country. For now, the arrest of more than 120 suspects and the rescue of 41 victims mark another step in Nigeria’s difficult fight against insecurity.
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Lyon Win Five-Goal Thriller Against Crystal Palace As Sunderland Strike Late [Europa League Full Results].
Lyon took the lead in the 10th minute when Corentin Tolisso reacted quickly to a loose ball following a corner kick.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The French side extended their advantage in first-half stoppage time, with Ernest Nuamah finishing off Keito Nakamura’s cross after an impressive attacking move.
Crystal Palace reduced the deficit shortly after the restart through Yeremy Pino, who converted a well-executed set-piece routine.
However, Lyon restored their two-goal advantage when Pavel Sulc scored with a close-range flick.
Daichi Kamada brought Palace back into contention with nine minutes remaining, but Lyon defended their lead to secure their second consecutive victory in the league phase.
Sunderland Snatch Dramatic Late Victory
Sunderland produced a late comeback to defeat Torreense 2-1 in Portugal, with Noah Sadiki scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute.
The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute after Volnei Feltes beat his marker before unleashing a long-range effort beyond Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris responded by introducing Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee shortly before the hour mark, helping his side regain control of the contest.
Jules Ahoka subsequently equalised for the visitors before Sadiki struck deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.
The closing stages were marked by a lengthy VAR review that ultimately denied Sunderland a late penalty, but the visitors still left Portugal with all three points.
Leverkusen, AC Milan Record Convincing Wins
Bayer Leverkusen moved to the top of the standings after defeating Lech Poznan 4-0.
Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot in the first half, while Malik Tillman also found the net before the interval. Ibrahim Maza completed the scoring late in the game.
AC Milan recorded an identical scoreline away against Salzburg, with teenage forward Alphadjo Cisse netting a hat-trick. Goncalo Ramos added the fourth goal in the 72nd minute.
However, Filippo Terracciano’s red card took some shine off Milan’s emphatic victory.
Other Europa League Results
Elsewhere, Bournemouth defeated Sturm Graz 3-0, while Juventus claimed a 2-1 away victory over Celta Vigo. Olympiacos also secured a narrow 1-0 win against Marseille.
Real Sociedad were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise, while Dinamo Zagreb defeated Anderlecht 1-0.
Benfica cruised to a 4-1 victory over Celtic, AZ Alkmaar beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-1, and Besiktas edged Hoffenheim 3-2 away from home.
Other results saw Celje lose 0-3 to Omonia, Ferencvaros defeat Plzen 2-1, Jagiellonia beat Ararat-Armenia 3-1, and Nijmegen draw 1-1 with Levski Sofia.
2026/2027 Europa League Matchday 2 Results
- AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Hapoel Be’er Sheva
- Celje 0-3 Omonia
- Lech Poznan 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen
- Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace
- Union Saint-Gilloise 1-1 Real Sociedad
- Salzburg 0-4 AC Milan
- Sparta Prague 1-1 Lillestrom
- Torreense 1-2 Sunderland
- Benfica 4-1 Celtic
- Bournemouth 3-0 Sturm Graz
- Celta Vigo 1-2 Juventus
- Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 Anderlecht
- Ferencvaros 2-1 Plzen
- Hoffenheim 2-3 Besiktas
- Jagiellonia 3-1 Ararat-Armenia
- Marseille 0-1 Olympiacos
- Nijmegen 1-1 Levski Sofia
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has proposed a schedule for President Bola Tinubu’s campaign rallies across 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the proposed timetable, the campaign is expected to commence in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026, and conclude with a grand rally in Lagos State on January 9, 2027.
reports that the planned rallies will cover Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with Tinubu scheduled to attend campaign events in 12 locations across the country.
Other proposed destinations include Port Harcourt, Jos, Ibadan, Maiduguri, Enugu, Bauchi, Sokoto, Asaba, Kano and Yola.
Full List of Proposed Campaign Dates and Locations
The proposed timetable outlines the following dates and venues for Tinubu’s campaign appearances:
- Kaduna, Kaduna State – Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Jos, Plateau State – Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Ibadan, Oyo State – Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Maiduguri, Borno State – Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Enugu, Enugu State – Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Bauchi, Bauchi State – Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Sokoto, Sokoto State – Friday, December 4, 2026
- Asaba, Delta State – Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Kano, Kano State – Thursday, December 17, 2026
- Yola, Adamawa State – Monday, January 4, 2027
- Lagos, Lagos State – Saturday, January 9, 2027
Momodu Questions Tinubu’s Commitment to Free and Fair Elections
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has expressed doubts about President Tinubu’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections in 2027, claiming that even some of the President’s supporters harbour similar concerns.
reports that the veteran journalist made the remarks during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time programme.
Momodu alleged that some Nigerians fear Tinubu might be unwilling to relinquish power if he loses the next presidential election.
He, however, insisted that Nigerians would resist any attempt by the President to remain in office after an electoral defeat.
The ADC chieftain further claimed that some governors elected on the APC platform, alongside judges and legislators, were apprehensive about the possible outcome of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the interview, Momodu said many Nigerians would question whether Tinubu could be trusted to oversee a credible and transparent electoral process.
He argued that some supporters of the President were confident of victory but, according to him, struggled to explain the basis for their optimism beyond their belief in Tinubu’s political influence.
Momodu also maintained that his confidence in the opposition’s efforts was not based solely on his party, but on what he described as the growing determination of ordinary Nigerians who do not want Tinubu to secure another term.
He recalled Tinubu’s political struggle to win a second term as governor of Lagos State, suggesting that opposition figures were also working behind the scenes to challenge his bid for re-election as President.
The ADC chieftain added that some political figures who publicly support Tinubu were allegedly concerned about the current political climate but were reluctant to express their reservations openly.
He concluded by describing the President’s position within the political establishment as one that many were unwilling to challenge directly.
Momodu’s remarks reflect his personal assessment of the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections and his criticism of the Tinubu administration.
A 15-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, to conduct a final inspection of facilities ahead of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, will assess venues and related arrangements in Lagos and Abuja to ensure they meet the standards required for hosting the two major continental events.
During their visit to Lagos, the CAF officials will inspect the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. They are also scheduled to meet with representatives of the Lagos State Government.
The team will then proceed to Abuja, where it will assess the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The delegation is also expected to pay courtesy visits to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
A six-member delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the CAF officials throughout the inspection exercise.
The visit follows an earlier assessment conducted between July 31 and August 4, during which initial operational agreements were established.
The final inspection will focus on verifying the readiness of the venues, security provisions and logistical arrangements to ensure the successful hosting of both events.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 21, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is slated for Monday, December 7, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
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