On Monday, troops from Operation Fasan YAMMA foiled an attempt by terrorists to attack and kidnap residents of Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, Bakori LGA of Katsina State. The operation was intelligence-driven, with troops laying ambush on the terrorists based on credible information about a planned mass abduction for ransom. The terrorists, led by Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin, were operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari LGA.
Governor Dikko Radda hailed the military for their proactiveness, stating that the government would continue to support the troops. The governor's commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua'su, released a statement thanking the military for their efforts. The security forces recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three motorcycles, two cows, and 94 sheep during the operation.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their efforts and charged them not to relent in dislodging terrorists wrecking havoc in parts of the country. He reiterated his promise for the welfare of the troops. The Department of State Services (DSS) and vigilantes were also lauded for providing intelligence that led to the neutralization of 18 terrorists.
The military high command has vowed to continue clearing forests where terrorists are hiding to ensure citizens' safety. The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, revealed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had sustained efforts to counter terrorism, kidnapping, and secessionist agitations across the country between September 11-17, 2026.
During the period, troops conducted clearance operations, rescue missions, and raids across various theatres of operations, recording several decisive combat engagements. Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained operations against terrorism and kidnapping in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto States, recording several successes.
In a related development, troops rescued 10 abducted victims, comprising three men, seven women, and a child, at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State on September 15, 2026. They also rescued two victims following terrorist attacks on communities at Kanan Maharba in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State on September 13, 2026.
Meanwhile, in the North East geopolitical zone, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained operations against terrorism in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States. Troops stormed a suspected kidnappers' hideout in Adamawa State, arresting six suspected members of a notorious kidnap syndicate and rescuing 14 abductees in Borno State, including the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town who had been abducted for six months.
Key points
- The Nigerian military foiled a mass kidnapping attempt in Katsina State, neutralizing 18 terrorists and recovering arms and livestock.
- The military high command has vowed to continue clearing forests where terrorists are hiding to ensure citizens' safety.
- Troops rescued several abducted victims in various operations across the country, including 14 abductees in Borno State.
