Troops of the Nigerian Navy operating under Operation Fasan Yamma in the North-West region have neutralised two violent extremist insurgents (VEIs) and rescued eight victims in a series of coordinated operations conducted between 18 and 20 April 2026.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operations demonstrated the Navy’s continued commitment to counter-terrorism and internal security efforts across joint theatres.
On 18 April, personnel at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibira responded swiftly to distress calls after gunshots were reported along the Doka–Ibira axis. Upon arrival, troops engaged the attackers in a firefight. The insurgents were forced to retreat under sustained counter-fire, abandoning their victims.
Five individuals were rescued during the operation, four of whom sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Idon for treatment. One of the victims, however, later died from injuries. The victims’ vehicle was also recovered, while troops commenced follow-up exploitation to track the fleeing extremists.
In a separate operation on 20 April, troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, acting on credible intelligence, successfully ambushed suspected insurgents at Anguwan Haske. One VEI was neutralised during the encounter, and an AK-47 rifle was recovered. No casualties were recorded among the troops.
Similarly, personnel at FOB Dokan Karji responded to a distress call from Kushere Village, where civilians had been abducted. The troops engaged the assailants in a gunfight, overpowering them and forcing their withdrawal. Three kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt during the operation.
The Nigerian Navy noted that the operations highlight its sustained contribution to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts aimed at tackling violent extremism and restoring peace in affected regions.
The service also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and enhance national security.
