Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under “Operation Fasan Yamma,” have neutralised 23 terrorists and rescued 23 kidnapped victims during a raid in Katsina State.
A credible source at the Army Headquarters informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the successful operation followed a fierce encounter with terrorists on Saturday.
According to the source, troops engaged the terrorists at Pauwa village in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. With coordinated support from air and artillery components, they killed about 23 terrorists during the mission.
The operation also led to the rescue of 23 kidnapped victims, comprising 12 women and 11 children. Items recovered from the terrorist camp—including motorcycles, spare parts, lubricants, farm machinery, and foodstuffs—were subsequently destroyed.
In a separate development in the Northeast, the source said four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists—two adult females and two children—surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
He further disclosed that a suspected logistics supplier to terrorists was apprehended by troops in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno. Items found in his possession included a mobile phone, a wristwatch, and ₦55,000 in cash.
Army Expands Counter-Crime Operations Across States, Arrests Suspects and Prevents Conflict
Additionally, five suspects allegedly involved in theft and drug peddling were arrested during a raid on Muva village in Adamawa State.
“In a separate operation, troops of Forward Operating Base Malumfashi in Katsina rescued three kidnapped victims at Shaiskawa village, Matazu Local Government Area, after engaging the terrorists in a firefight,” the source added.
The source also reported that under Operation MESA, three suspected criminals known for phone snatching in the Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Zuba areas of the Federal Capital Territory were arrested. Security personnel recovered four mobile phones and a smartwatch from them.
Furthermore, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN intervened in a potential farmer-herder clash in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State to prevent escalation of violence.
The source emphasized that the Nigerian Army would continue to mount pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements until peace is fully restored across the country. He also urged the public to provide timely and credible information to aid security efforts.
Operation Fasan Yamma—meaning “Salvage the West”—is a major joint military initiative launched by the Defence Headquarters in late 2024. The operation targets banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s Northwest region, covering states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger.
It was established by merging previous operations like ‘Hadarin Daji’ and ‘Whirl Punch’ into a unified theatre, aiming to enhance coordination and improve the overall effectiveness in combating organised criminal networks.
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