Troops Rescue 13 Hostages in Zamfara, Arrest Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba
Nigerian troops have rescued 13 kidnapped victims in Zamfara State and arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during separate coordinated operations in Taraba State as ongoing military offensives against criminal networks intensify across the country.
Security sources said troops of 1 Brigade, Combat Team 6, rescued the kidnapped victims along Gwashi Road in Bukuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State during ongoing clearance operations in the area.
The victims were reportedly intercepted at about 7:15 a.m. on May 10, 2026, by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gwashi.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims escaped from captivity following a recent air interdiction operation conducted west of Bagega Forest, which disrupted terrorist hideouts within the axis.
The rescued victims were said to be indigenes of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State who had spent several months in captivity before taking advantage of the confusion created by the air strike to flee.
Military authorities confirmed that the victims are currently receiving preliminary care and undergoing profiling ahead of reunification with their families.
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The authorities added that troops had intensified patrols and exploitation operations in the general area to track fleeing terrorists and prevent the re-establishment of criminal enclaves within the forest corridor.
In a separate operation in Taraba State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during coordinated raids on identified criminal enclaves in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted at about 6:10 a.m. on May 10, 2026, involved troops of Sector 3 OPWS deployed at Jimilari.
Security sources disclosed that troops carried out simultaneous raids on suspected terrorist hideouts in Binari, Chibi and Andamin communities following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal networks operating within the area.
According to the sources, three suspects believed to be aiding and supporting terrorist elements were arrested during the operation.
Military authorities said the suspects are currently in custody undergoing preliminary interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement and possible links to wider criminal networks.
The authorities further stated that troops would continue intelligence-led raids and clearance operations across vulnerable communities in Karim-Lamido to dismantle support structures for criminal groups and restore security in the area.
By PRNigeria
