Nigerian Army troops on patrol
Nigerian Army troops under “Operation Fasan Yamma” have eliminated 23 terrorists and liberated 26 kidnapped victims in Katsina State, marking a significant blow to banditry in the Northwest.
A senior military source at Army Headquarters, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), revealed that the operation unfolded on Saturday in a fierce clash at Pauwa village, Kankara Local Government Area.
“With robust support from air and artillery units, our troops neutralized approximately 23 terrorists,” the source stated.
The operation also led to the rescue of 23 hostages, comprising 12 women and 11 children. Items recovered, including motorcycles, spare parts, lubricants, farm machinery, and food supplies, were destroyed on-site.
In Borno’s North East, the source reported that four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists—two women and two children—surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza.
Additionally, a suspected terrorist logistics supplier was apprehended in Kukawa with a mobile phone, wristwatch, and ₦55,000. In Adamawa, a raid in Muva village led to the arrest of five suspects involved in theft and drug trafficking.
Further successes were recorded in Katsina, where troops from Forward Operating Base Malumfashi rescued three kidnapped victims in Shaiskawa village, Matazu Local Government Area, after a firefight with terrorists.
In the Federal Capital Territory, under Operation MESA, troops arrested three notorious phone snatchers in Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Zuba, recovering four mobile phones and a smartwatch.
“These operations demonstrate our unrelenting commitment to dismantling criminal networks,” the source affirmed.
In Plateau, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN intervened to de-escalate a farmer-herder conflict in Jos East, preventing further violence. The source emphasized, “We will maintain relentless pressure on terrorists and criminals until peace is fully restored.”
The public was urged to continue providing timely intelligence to support security efforts.
“Operation Fasan Yamma,” meaning “Salvage the West,” is a major joint military initiative launched in late 2024 to combat banditry and terrorism across Northwest states, including Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger. It consolidates previous operations like Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch to enhance coordination and effectiveness against organized crime.
