Troops of Sub-Sector 5, Operation FANSAN YANMA, have rescued 119 kidnapped victims, neutralised bandits and dismantled several criminal hideouts during a series of sustained military operations across Southern Kaduna.
The Commander of Sub-Sector 5, Navy Capt. Patrick Onoja Ali, disclosed the achievements during an interaction with defence correspondents in Kachia on Thursday, attributing the successes to intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and close collaboration with local communities and other security agencies.
Ali said the formation, which was activated on January 28, 2024, was established to restore security and stability across Kachia, Kajuru, Chikun, Kagarko and parts of Zangon Kataf Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. He noted that the operational structure comprises the 312 Artillery Regiment, 305 Artillery Regiment, Maritime Component and the DSS Special Operations Force.
According to him, kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling and attacks on farming communities remain the dominant security challenges in the area. However, troops have maintained pressure on criminal elements through continuous clearance operations and intelligence-led missions.
One of the earliest major successes came during operations conducted between January 31 and February 1, 2026, when troops destroyed several bandit camps across different axes within the operational environment, disrupting criminal activities and restricting the movement of armed groups.
On February 4, troops deployed from Kachia responded to reports of kidnapping and motorcycle theft in Angwan Wahala. During the operation, security forces engaged fleeing bandits, neutralised one suspect, rescued seven kidnapped victims and recovered three stolen motorcycles.
Ali described the rescue of 88 kidnapped worshippers in Kurmin-Risga as one of the most significant breakthroughs recorded by the formation. The victims had been abducted during a church service before troops, working alongside other security agencies, launched a coordinated rescue operation that led to their safe recovery.
The commander further disclosed that between February 12 and 13, troops conducting clearance operations in the Kajuru axis recovered 24 kidnapped victims who escaped from a bandit enclave located within the Rijana Forest. The victims were subsequently handed over to relevant authorities and reunited with their families.
In another development, four suspected bandits were arrested in March and transferred to the Headquarters of 1 Division Nigerian Army for further investigation and prosecution.
Ali said troops have continued to maintain a robust security presence through Forward Operating Bases across the area of responsibility. Personnel routinely conduct stop-and-search operations, fighting patrols and community protection missions aimed at preventing kidnappings, attacks on schools and other criminal activities.
He cited a recent intervention in Makyali community, where troops responded swiftly to intelligence reports of a planned bandit attack on farmers. According to him, the deployment successfully prevented the attack and restored confidence among residents.
The commander also highlighted the role of community support in achieving operational success, noting that traditional rulers, local government officials, youth leaders and residents regularly provide credible intelligence that enables security forces to respond promptly to threats.
He assured residents that Operation FANSAN YANMA would sustain offensive and protective operations across Southern Kaduna, reaffirming the military’s commitment to degrading criminal networks and creating a secure environment for farming, commerce and other socio-economic activities.
Ali expressed confidence that continued cooperation between security agencies and local communities would further strengthen efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.
