Nigerian Army kills 23 terrorists and rescues 23 hostages in Katsina under Operation Fasan Yamma, reinforcing counter-terrorism efforts

The Nigerian Army has recorded a significant victory against insurgents, neutralizing 23 terrorists and rescuing 23 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation in Katsina State under Operation Fasan Yamma.

Also read:Ilese Army Barracks Explosion Contained, no Casualties

According to a military source at Army Headquarters, the successful mission occurred on Saturday in Pauwa village, Kankara Local Government Area, following fierce engagement supported by both air and artillery units.

“Troops engaged the terrorists and eliminated about 23 of them,” the source said, adding that 12 women and 11 children were rescued from captivity.

Recovered items, including motorcycles, spare parts, lubricants, foodstuffs, and farming tools used by the terrorists, were destroyed to prevent reuse.

In a related development, troops of Forward Operating Base Malumfashi rescued three additional kidnapped victims at Shaiskawa village in Matazu LGA, after another gun battle with insurgents.

The Nigerian Army also recorded key security gains in other regions:

•  In Borno, four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists—two women and two children—surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA.
•  Troops in Kukawa LGA arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier found with ₦55,000, a wristwatch, and a mobile phone.
•  In Adamawa, five individuals were arrested in Muva village for theft and drug-related crimes.
•  In the Federal Capital Territory, three suspects known for phone snatching in Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Zuba were arrested with four phones and a smartwatch.

In Plateau State, under Operation SAFE HAVEN, soldiers successfully intervened in a farmer-herder clash in Jos East LGA, preventing further violence.

The military spokesperson emphasized the Nigerian Army’s resolve to maintain pressure on criminals and urged continued public support through timely and credible intelligence.

“We will sustain the momentum until peace is restored across affected regions,” the official said.

Operation Fasan Yamma—meaning “Salvage the West”—was launched in late 2024 by the Defence Headquarters as a unified front against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest.

The operation replaced earlier missions like Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, aiming to streamline coordination across high-risk states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger.

Also read:Nigerian Army Special Forces School Relocated to Nasarawa for Stronger Training

With recent gains and coordinated responses, the Nigerian Army continues to demonstrate its capacity to degrade insurgent networks and restore stability in conflict-prone areas.