*Gov visits dead victim’s family
*Troops rescue additional six Lassa School students, pledge to free others unharmed
*Conducted 14,221 operations, eliminated 1,597 criminals, saved 1,516 hostages in six months
Linus Aleke in Abuja and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Eleda of Eda Oniyo Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Julius Awolola and his subjects have commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for playing significant roles in the release of the 14 abducted residents of the town from kidnappers’ den after 66 days in captivity.
This was as Governor Oyebanji visited the home of an 82-year old victim, Mrs Rachael Aina Olomi, who died in captivity, to commiserate with them, urging them to take solace in the fact that the deceased served God to the end of her life.
Some gun-wielding kidnappers, had on April 28, 2026 invaded an open church crusade being held in Eda Oniyo and kidnapped 15 worshippers, while the presiding Pastor was shot and died on the spot.
Also, while one died in captivity, the 14 others were released on July 2 to reunite with their families and have been receiving medicare in one of the health facilities in the state on the directive of the governor.
Speaking during the governor’s visit to the community on Sunday, to congratulate them on the safe return of the hostages, Oba Awolola, praised the governor for zealously pursuing the release of the victims and for not abandoning the people since the incident happened.
“We thank Governor Oyebanji for what he did, in fact, we are really grateful to him. He did what a leader should do, because issue if security can’t be announced openly. We are coming to personally thank him in Ado Ekiti.”
Applauding the government for its role in the release, the second in command to Eleda, Chief Daramola Bankole, said the governor played the role he was supposed to discharge as a leader, saying those castigating him out of ignorance shouldn’t be taken serious.
Also, the Lawmaker representing Ilemejemeje Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon Iyabo Fakunle Okiemen, appreciated Oyebanji for putting high premium value on the welfare of Ekiti residents, particularly the seriousness he demonstrated in ensuring that the captives regained freedom.
Oyebanji, however, assured the citizens that his administration won’t succumb to the antics of kidnappers, saying the government had erected security architectures that would smash the terror syndicates trying to terrorise the citizens and spark off tension in the system.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said he had given a marching order to the security forces to redouble efforts and tame the activities of terror groups through intensive forest combing measure and 24 hours patrol across borders to stem the tides of kidnapping and banditry across the state.
The governor said the abductees would have long been released, if the government resorted to force, but said the security agencies decided to carry out subtle operation to prevent more casualties.
He saluted the security agencies, men of the Amotekun corps , local hunters, traditional rulers and community leaders, and religious leaders across denominations for their concerns and compassion for the victims throughout the period.
He described this as buttressing the fact that humanity comes first in governance and behavioural patterns of all citizens.
“Kabiyesi, I am happy that our people came back alive to reunite with their families. Their kidnap put all of us in serious trauma. As a leader, I am committed to ensuring that all our residents are safe and secure wherever they may be.
“I once again commiserate with the family of the person who died in the captivity. Her death was a sad event.”
Troops Rescue Six More Lassa School Students, Pledge to Free Others Unharmed
The Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has announced that troops have rescued six additional abducted students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, and pledged to continue ongoing search and rescue operations until all the remaining victims were recovered unharmed.
The rescued victims, comprising four adults and two infants, were rescued at Talakawa in Chibok Local Government Area.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the rescue followed sustained air and ground exploitation supported by credible intelligence.
He explained that the victims, who were abducted in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area in May, had been rescued and evacuated to a secure location, where they were undergoing comprehensive medical evaluation and receiving appropriate care.
Captain Goni said: “Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), wishes to inform the public that troops have recorded another significant breakthrough in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation to recover the abducted students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa.
“Operation Hadin Kai has also provided immediate relief materials and basic necessities to alleviate the effects of their ordeal, while arranging for their safe reunification with families.
“This latest success further demonstrates the effectiveness of the coordinated Search and Rescue efforts by Operation Hadin Kai and reinforces the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Borno State Government, security agencies and auxiliary forces to the safe recovery of all abducted persons.”
Troops Held 14,221 Operations, Killed 1,597 Criminals and Rescued 1,516 in Six Months
Troops across all theatres of operation conducted 14,221 security operations across the federation through coordinated land, air and maritime missions, targeting terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, arms traffickers, oil thieves and other criminal elements in the first half of 2026, from January to June, the Nigerian military has said.
The military also disclosed that the operations led to the rescue of 1,516 hostages and kidnapped victims, as well as the elimination of 1,597 terrorists and insurgents.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) further revealed that it issued 593 press statements, identified and countered 15 cases of misinformation, and released 10 public advisories and security warnings to keep citizens informed and enhance public awareness during the same period.
The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this during a joint press briefing by spokespersons of defence, security, response and law enforcement agencies at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), in Abuja over the weekend.
General Uba, who was represented by his deputy, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said, as part of efforts to deny criminal elements the means to sustain their activities, troops recovered 451 firearms, 16,726 rounds of ammunition, and 161 explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) sustained an aggressive operational tempo across all theatres of operation between January and June 2026, recording significant successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
“Security operations were concentrated across several flashpoints, including Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Katsina, Kwara, Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Oyo and Kaduna States, covering all six geopolitical zones.
“The predominant threats encountered included terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and related violent crimes. The Armed Forces responded through intelligence-driven operations, clearance missions, targeted raids and rescue operations, leading to the disruption of criminal activities and enhanced security in affected communities.
“In addition to kinetic operations, the Armed Forces intensified non-kinetic engagements aimed at fostering peace and strengthening civil-military relations.
“During the reporting period, troops undertook 33 dialogue and peace-building initiatives, conducted 13 public sensitisation campaigns, and held 33 stakeholder engagement meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other community stakeholders. Among the most notable operational achievements during the period was the rescue of 261 kidnapped victims from terrorist enclaves.”
Major General Uba said troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 412 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, arrested 332 terrorists, recovered and safely detonated 31 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), while 132 Boko Haram/ISWAP members surrendered as a result of sustained operational pressure.
“In addition, troops recovered several weapons, motorcycles and livestock while dismantling terrorist operational bases. The Armed Forces also remained proactive in strategic communication and public information management.
“Between January and June 2026, the military issued 593 press releases, identified and countered 15 cases of misinformation, and released 10 public advisories and security warnings to keep citizens informed and enhance public awareness.”