Troops of Sector 1 and Sector 2 of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded a series of operational successes in separate intelligence-driven operations across Kaduna and Zamfara states, rescuing kidnapped victims, foiling terrorist attacks, arresting suspects, and recovering weapons and logistics.

The Nigerian Army disclosed the developments in a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, stating that the operations underscored the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property while denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 on June 18 responded to a distress call reporting the movement of armed bandits within a forest area in Kerawa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The troops swiftly combed the area and rescued three kidnap victims identified as Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, 38; Mrs Habibah Sadisu, 30; and Abdulmutallib Sadisu, a one-year-old child. The victims had reportedly been abandoned by the fleeing criminals after they sighted the advancing troops.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a Primary Healthcare Clinic in Kadage for medical attention.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17, 2026, and were being relocated to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before the troops intervened.
In a separate operation conducted in the early hours of June 20, troops of Sector 2, working alongside other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops laid an ambush on the outskirts of Gummi Community and engaged the approaching terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to retreat under intense military pressure.

A follow-up exploitation of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles, and assorted food items believed to have been intended for terrorist operations.

The Army further disclosed that troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, carried out a covert operation in Zamfara State that resulted in the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informants.

Several incriminating items were recovered during the operation, while the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In another development, troops arrested a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman. According to the Army, the suspect gave conflicting accounts regarding his identity and activities, raising serious concerns about his involvement in criminal activities. He is currently undergoing further investigation.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 successfully repelled a terrorist attack in Maru Local Government Area following the timely reinforcement of troops from 1 Brigade.
The Army said the troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, noting that blood trails observed along the terrorists’ withdrawal route indicated significant losses.
However, the military recorded casualties during the encounter, with three soldiers killed in action.

In a related operation, troops acted on intelligence regarding the movement of terrorists on motorcycles towards Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area.

The troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol that forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat before carrying out any attack. Security forces subsequently dominated the area to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further threats.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security across the North-West region.