Governor Umar Dikko Radda has commended troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA for their swift and professional response to recent terrorist attacks in Katsina State, as ongoing military operations across the North-West continue to yield significant gains. The security forces recorded the arrest of two suspected terrorists and the neutralisation of one insurgent during coordinated engagements, while also rescuing dozens of kidnapped victims and disrupting criminal activities across multiple states in the region.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja in a press staement on Friday said Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have sustained coordinated offensives against terrorist elements across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, recording notable successes in arrests, rescue operations, and the disruption of criminal networks.
The operations, conducted between April 3 and April 8, 2026, led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists and the neutralisation of one terrorist during a series of tactical engagements across the region.
On April 3, troops deployed at a Forward Operating Base in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State arrested a suspected terrorist identified as Bashir Ahmed Bade in Tungan Haki Village. Recovered from the suspect was an AK-47 rifle loaded with a magazine containing 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. He is currently in custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation on April 5, troops in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State responded swiftly to a distress call on terrorist activities in Matazu and Sayaya villages. Upon contact, the terrorists were forced to retreat but later regrouped and set ablaze a Comprehensive Health Centre and two vehicles in Sayaya Village. Reinforcement troops engaged the attackers, compelling them to flee the area.
Following the incident, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Umar Dikko Radda, visited the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment. He commended the troops for their timely and professional response, noting that their actions prevented further escalation of the attack.
Also on April 5, troops responded to an attack on an ECWA Church in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Acting on intelligence provided by church members, troops pursued the assailants and successfully rescued 31 abducted victims.
On April 6, troops encountered fleeing terrorists at Maitashi Village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State while returning from an operational assessment. During the engagement, one terrorist was neutralised, and an AK-47 rifle with 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, along with a motorcycle, was recovered.
Further tightening the noose on terrorist networks, troops on April 8 apprehended one Mallam Kabiru, a suspected collaborator linked to notorious terrorist kingpin Ado Alero. The suspect was reportedly seen in the company of the kingpin shortly after a recent encounter with troops in Tsafe Local Government Area.
On the same day, troops in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State foiled a kidnapping attempt at Gidan Madi Village. Acting on credible intelligence, troops laid an ambush at a known crossing point, engaged the terrorists, and forced them to abandon their captives. A total of 18 victims, including two infants, were rescued and safely handed over to the traditional ruler of Wurno.
The sustained pressure by Operation FANSAN YAMMA continues to degrade terrorist capabilities across the North-West, with security forces maintaining dominance and ensuring the protection of lives and critical infrastructure.
