Troops Dismantle Terrorist Hideouts, Rescue 16 Hostages, Arrest Collaborators in North-West Operations
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled multiple terrorist operations, rescued 16 abducted civilians, arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators and destroyed terrorist enclaves during separate operations across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.
The operations, conducted on August 27 and 28, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, ammunition, an RPG-7 tube, a motorcycle, mobile phones and other items linked to terrorist activities.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 on August 27 arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator who was allegedly found with two locally fabricated guns and 13 rounds of ammunition concealed in a bag.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that he had been tasked with delivering the weapons and ammunition to another individual.
Acting on the information, the troops conducted a follow-up operation and arrested two additional suspects allegedly connected to the movement of the arms.
The three suspects and the recovered items are currently undergoing further investigation, according to the Joint Task Force.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2, supported by other security agencies, conducted a clearance operation on August 28 against identified terrorist enclaves around Maharba and Karaduwa in Matazu Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly cleared and destroyed the enclaves and other structures allegedly used by the terrorists to facilitate their activities.
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One of the destroyed locations was reportedly linked to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, whose group has allegedly terrorised communities in Matazu and Musawa local government areas.
The Joint Task Force said Filani narrowly escaped as troops advanced towards the enclave.
During further exploitation of the area, the troops recovered an RPG-7 tube, a motorcycle, mobile phones and other items.
The troops subsequently conducted fighting patrols within the area to consolidate the gains and restrict the terrorists’ freedom of movement.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops deployed in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area responded to a distress call in the early hours of August 28 over an alleged terrorist invasion of a community and an attempt to abduct residents.
The troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to flee, while four male civilians were rescued unharmed.
The area was subsequently reinforced and secured by the troops.
Later the same day, troops operating in Tsafe Local Government Area foiled another attempted abduction involving commuters along a major transit route.
According to the Joint Task Force, the troops mobilised to the scene and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and retreat.
Twelve passengers travelling in two commercial vehicles were rescued without injury, while normal traffic was restored along the route.
The latest operations underscore the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist networks, prevent abductions, interdict the movement of weapons and logistics, and dismantle enclaves used by criminal elements across the North-West.
The Joint Task Force said its troops would continue to conduct coordinated and intelligence-driven operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring lasting peace and security across affected communities.
By PRNigeria
