The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified counter-terrorism operations across the North-West, neutralising suspected terrorist kingpins, recovering weapons and ammunition, and rescuing 31 abducted civilians in Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement covering military operations conducted between August 31 and September 3, 2026.
According to Onoja, troops of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups and their logistics networks across the region.
He said troops on August 31 raided suspected terrorist hideouts at Kogo Village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, where two terrorist kingpins were neutralised. Another terrorist reportedly escaped with a gunshot wound, while two motorcycles were destroyed.
In Kaduna State, troops operating at Kadage Village in Giwa LGA on September 2 intercepted a vehicle and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of grain. The fleeing suspect was neutralised during the encounter.
On the same day, troops ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis in Zamfara State. A rocket-propelled grenade launcher, rifle, ammunition and other items were recovered, while several terrorists were neutralised.
The military also recorded major gains in its efforts to rescue kidnapped civilians.
Onoja said troops responding to a distress call on September 2 rescued six abducted victims who were travelling from Ayu Market at Mehinua Village in Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.
The following day, troops rescued 23 abducted civilians—three men and 20 women—on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka LGA of Zamfara State. The victims had reportedly spent about three weeks in captivity and were evacuated for medical attention.
Also on September 3, troops rescued two additional abducted victims and recovered two motorcycles along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.
In Sokoto State, troops intensified operations across Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna and Bilange Forest in Tangaza LGA, leading to the discovery and destruction of a terrorist camp in Bilange Forest.
The troops recovered military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle from the destroyed camp.
Similarly, troops working with local security groups recovered a locally fabricated rifle concealed under shrubs near Maikujera Village in Rabah LGA of Sokoto State. The weapon was believed to have been hidden by terrorists following an earlier ambush on troops on August 28.
Onoja said the operations demonstrated the Armed Forces’ continued resolve to protect lives and property, combat terrorism and kidnapping, and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
