Nigerian security forces recorded fresh gains against armed groups this week as troops killed 18 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in Borno State, while police and military personnel rescued a kidnapped man in Zamfara State, authorities said on Friday.
The coordinated actions underscore ongoing military and law enforcement operations aimed at reducing insurgency and banditry across northern Nigeria.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, Sector One, carried out a surprise dawn assault on insurgent positions in the Bula Dalo and Sabon Gari axis of Borno State, killing 18 fighters during multiple engagements, according to the military.
The operation took place along the Damboa to Biu road, a key route stretching roughly 100 kilometers that has been repeatedly targeted by armed groups.
In a statement issued in Maiduguri, Operation Hadin Kai Media Information Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said troops launched a night to dawn operation that caught insurgents off guard.
“Our troops conducted a successful dawn surprise operation at Bula Dalo, where 12 terrorists were eliminated,” Uba said, adding that surviving fighters fled toward the Sambisa Forest with gunshot wounds.
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Security forces also recovered weapons abandoned by the fleeing insurgents, including four AK 47 rifles, a PKT anti aircraft gun, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, and a multiple grenade launcher.
Uba said a follow up operation at terrorist hideouts in the Garno area led to the killing of six additional fighters. Troops also destroyed structures used by the group for shelter and logistics and recovered a cache of PKT anti aircraft ammunition.
He added that troops were continuing to comb the area to prevent insurgents from regrouping or launching counter attacks.
In a separate security development, the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the rescue of a man abducted by armed bandits in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The victim, identified as Abdullahi Isah Nagari, was kidnapped on January 29, 2026. Police said he was found tied to a tree with a machete injury to his hand.
Zamfara police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar said the rescue followed a joint operation involving police officers and military personnel after authorities received a report of the abduction.
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He said the victim was taken to the General Hospital in Tsafe for medical treatment and was responding to care.
Abubakar said efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the kidnapping, while security patrols had been increased in the area to prevent further incidents.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property.
The police urged residents to continue sharing timely and credible information with security agencies to support rapid response operations.
Both Borno and Zamfara states have faced prolonged security challenges, including insurgent attacks, mass abductions, and violence against rural communities. Authorities say sustained military pressure and coordinated policing efforts remain central to restoring stability.
