Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Fasan Yamma have killed 23 terrorists and rescued 23 kidnapped victims during an encounter in Katsina State, intensifying the military’s crackdown on banditry in the Northwest.
A source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria that the operation took place on Saturday at Pauwa village in Kankara Local Government Area. With air and artillery support, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce battle, killing 23 and rescuing 12 women and 11 children. Motorcycles, lubricants, farm machinery, and foodstuffs recovered from the criminals were destroyed.
The source disclosed that, in another operation, troops of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza, Borno State, received the surrender of four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists—two women and two children. He also confirmed the arrest of a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Kukawa, Borno, found with a phone, wristwatch, and ₦55,000.
Elsewhere, five other suspects linked to theft and drug peddling were arrested at Muva village in Adamawa, while troops in Katsina rescued three more kidnap victims after a firefight at Shaiskawa village in Matazu Local Government Area. Under Operation MESA, three notorious phone snatchers were also arrested in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the source, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN intervened to prevent a farmer-herder clash in Jos East, Plateau State. “The Army will sustain pressure on terrorists and criminals until peace is fully restored,” the source said, urging the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
Launched in late 2024, Operation Fasan Yamm, meaning “Salvage the West”, was designed to merge previous security operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger, to strengthen coordination against organised criminal networks.
