Four Nigerians, who escaped from Boko Haram/ISWAP captivity – one male and three females, and rescued by the Cameroon Defence Force, have been handed over to troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) at Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The four are among 181 other kidnapped victims rescued by troops between May 25 and May 28, 2026, according to the Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.

Onoja said that 148 of the victims – two males and 146 women and children- were rescued by troops of Operation Savannah Shield from terrorists suspected to be operating from the Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara State.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were kidnapped over three months ago from Galma Village in Wamba District of Mariga LGA of Niger State. Following their release, the victims were escorted to the Local Government Area Headquarters in Bangi, where they were handed over to the appropriate local government authorities for subsequent reunification with their families,” he said.

He said that 31 other kidnapped victims were also rescued from Zamfara State along the Bagega–Kawaye Road in Anka LGA of Zamfara State, adding that they had spent several weeks in captivity, but escaped following an airstrike by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships west of Bagega Forest.

Onoja said 16 terrorists were neutralised, while 10 were arrested during the period. He said the achievements recorded within the four days “are indicative of the professionalism, valour, and unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restore peace and security to the nation”.

He said that a follow-up on an arrested suspected drug peddler in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue on May 23, 2026, led to the seizure of a Toyota vehicle belonging to one Akor Ochai Jacob, on suspicion that the vehicle was being used for the distribution of illicit substances.

“A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 503 pieces of substances suspected to be illicit drugs, 138 pieces of a substance suspected to be Ice (methamphetamine), an unspecified amount of money, and other sundry items.”