Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested at least 15 suspects, including suspected terrorists, collaborators, informants and an ammunition courier, while recovering 300 rounds of ammunition, weapons, motorcycles and other military-related equipment in operations across the North West.
The arrests were recorded in separate operations conducted across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States between September 4 and 10, 2026, as troops intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent attacks in the region.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the ongoing military operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In Katsina State, troops supported by an attack helicopter on September 4 assaulted a suspected hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin at Yantumaki Forest in Danmusa Local Government Area, neutralising one terrorist while others fled.
The troops also recovered motorcycles and medical supplies believed to have been intended for the terrorists.
In Sokoto State, troops engaged terrorists at Magarya Forest in Tangaza LGA on September 5, recovering two motorcycles, a rifle and a machine gun during pursuit and exploitation.
The following day, troops engaged marauding terrorists along the Gundumi Road in Isa LGA, forcing them to withdraw into Gundumi Forest and recovering another rifle.
In Zamfara State, troops on September 9 foiled an attempted abduction of a senior nursing school staff member and his family at Yerima Quarters in Kaura Namoda LGA following a distress call.
Also on September 6, troops intercepted a truck at a checkpoint along the Gurbi-Zurmi Road in Jibia LGA of Katsina State and discovered four motorcycles concealed within fuel and oil consignments allegedly destined for Zamfara State.
The driver was arrested and is undergoing investigation, while follow-up exploitation on September 7 resulted in the arrest of 12 additional suspects and the recovery of further exhibits.
On September 8, troops arrested a suspected spy monitoring their location at Dange Market in Dange Shuni LGA of Sokoto State. The suspect allegedly attempted to offer troops financial inducement to evade arrest, but the soldiers rejected the offer and apprehended him.
In Kaduna State, troops on September 9 arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in Birnin Gwari LGA and recovered radio equipment allegedly linked to a reprisal attack on local residents.
The following day, troops intercepted a suspected ammunition courier along the Birnin Gwari axis and recovered 300 rounds of ammunition concealed in her belongings.
Major General Onoja said the operations formed part of the sustained offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA against terrorism and associated criminal networks across the North West.
He added that the military would continue to sustain operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to disrupt terrorist activities, arms trafficking and kidnapping in the region.
