Army Rescues 25 Kidnap Victims, Arrests Suspects in Nationwide Operations

Abuja, Nigeria – December 8, 2025 – In a major security breakthrough over the past 48 hours, the Nigerian Army successfully rescued 25 kidnapped persons and apprehended 10 suspects, following coordinated operations carried out across multiple regions of the country.

Nationwide Sweep

According to a credible source at Army Headquarters, the operations spanned the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-South theatres of operation. The rescued victims include persons abducted in different zones previously plagued by kidnappings and banditry. Among the 10 suspects arrested are alleged bandits’ collaborators, illegal miners, violent extremists and a suspected arms dealer.

Local Success: Taraba State

In one of the notable successes, troops of the Army’s 6 Brigade / Sector 3 under Operation Whirl Stroke foiled a robbery attack in Taraba State. The operation resulted in the rescue of abducted travellers and the recovery of weapons from the attackers.

Broader Security Gains

The recent rescue is part of a larger wave of gains by security forces. Earlier in the month, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that security operations had freed over 318 kidnap victims and neutralised numerous terrorists across all theatres of operation.

These operations included ground and air offensives, clearance raids, and deactivation of illegal criminal hideouts. The combined efforts led to the arrest of hundreds of suspects, surrender of some criminal elements and recovery of stolen goods including crude oil and refined products from illicit refining sites.

Government Response and Public Assurance

In a press briefing, the Army called for continued support from citizens, urging them to provide credible intelligence to further dismantle criminal networks. The military also reiterated its commitment to sustained operations until peace and security are restored in vulnerable regions.

While the identities of the rescued victims and suspects remain under wraps for security reasons, sources say that medical aid and rehabilitation are being provided where necessary, and efforts to reunite victims with their families are ongoing.

Analysis: What This Means for National Security

The recent success largely reflects the Army’s growing operational capacity, improved intelligence coordination, and renewed commitment to tackling kidnapping and banditry. The release of 25 victims and the arrest of multiple suspects in one sweep is a meaningful indicator of progress in ongoing security campaigns.

However, given the scale of past kidnappings and the persistence of criminal networks, sustained pressure, robust community engagement, and intelligence sharing remain vital. The larger rescue of over 318 victims reported earlier in the month shows that coordinated national operations can deliver results — but long-term stability will depend on institutional reforms, stronger policing, and social interventions in affected communities.

The involvement of multiple security agencies, ground and air operations, and regional collaboration underscores a more integrated approach — a possible shift away from episodic raids to systematic disruption of criminal infrastructure.

For citizens, these developments may bring cautious optimism, but vigilance and cooperation remain essential. For security agencies, it is a test of endurance: maintaining momentum, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding human rights as operations deepen.