Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) sustained a high operational tempo between 31 January and 8 February 2026, recording major successes against terrorist elements across several states, the Defence Headquarters has said.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed that troops neutralised a significant number of terrorists, arrested 19 suspects, and rescued 36 kidnapped victims during coordinated offensive and clearance operations.
According to the statement, OPFY troops, working jointly with the Office of the National Security Adviser, conducted a fighting patrol at Garin Dandi in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, a location identified as a major terrorist enclave. During a fierce firefight, scores of terrorists were neutralised, their camps destroyed, and 10 kidnapped victims rescued along withdrawal routes.
Further operations were carried out across Zamfara State (Tsafe, Bukkuyum, Maru, Gumi, Maradun and Gusau LGAs), Katsina State (Faskari and Funtua LGAs), Sokoto State (Tangaza and Gudu LGAs), Kebbi State (Dankon Wasagu and Yauri LGAs), and Kaduna State (Igabi, Kajuru and Kachia LGAs). These actions led to the rescue of the remaining abducted persons from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru LGA.
Troops also operated in Kontagora, Rafi and Rijau LGAs of Niger State, as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, where several terrorists were neutralised, 19 arrested, and 13 kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, vehicles and livestock were recovered and are currently in military custody for further action.
On 4 February 2026, troops swiftly responded to a terrorist attack on Woro Village in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State, securing the community, conducting clearance and confidence-building patrols, and reassuring residents of their safety.
Meanwhile, following a presidential directive, the Defence Headquarters, in collaboration with the Army Headquarters and other security services, has launched Operation Savanah Shield. The new operation, carved out of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, is aimed at conducting intensive military actions in Kwara and Niger States to dismantle entrenched terrorist enclaves and strengthen security across the region.
The Chief of Defence Staff also to convey his condolences and sympathy to the Government of Kwara State and the families of victims of the killings in Woro and Nuku villages in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State on 4 February 2026. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with other security agencies to ensure perpetrators are brought to justices.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and ensuring the safety of lives and property nationwide.
