The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified its assault on terrorist strongholds in the North West, delivering decisive strikes that have neutralized significant threats and freed numerous captives, as announced by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement from the Defence Headquarters. Through Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops maintained high operational intensity with multiple firefights across the region, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the interception of arms caches. From January 1 to 29, 2026, offensive operations spanned Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara States, along with parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists, the arrest of 52 suspects, and the liberation of 100 hostages.
Highlighting the breadth of these efforts, troops targeted key areas including Anka, Birnin Magaji, Maru, Tsafe, Bungudu, and Shinkafi LGAs in Zamfara State; Kankara, Dandume, and Kurfi LGAs in Katsina State; and Isa, Tangaza, Binji, Tureta, and Sabon Birni LGAs in Sokoto State. Additional operations covered Doka, Kachia, and Zaria LGAs in Kaduna State, as well as Borgu in Niger State and Zuru in Kebbi State. These raids neutralized more terrorists, led to 16 arrests, and rescued 35 victims, with recoveries including weapons, vehicles, and livestock, further disrupting gunrunning networks across the theatre.
In a critical air support mission, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to a distress call during a ground clearance at Chukuba Village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Aerial scans detected terrorist activities, and targets were engaged with cannons, leading to the neutralization of several insurgents as confirmed by battle damage assessments. This integrated approach underscores the military's use of combined ground and air tactics to dismantle terrorist operations effectively.
The Defence Headquarters remains steadfast in its continuous support to safeguard lives and properties in the North West, deploying enhanced resources, advanced surveillance, and rapid response teams to prevent any resurgence of terrorism. With General Oluyede's leadership, the military is intensifying collaborative efforts with stakeholders, ensuring proactive measures that protect communities, support resettlement, and promote economic recovery in the region.
Highlighting the breadth of these efforts, troops targeted key areas including Anka, Birnin Magaji, Maru, Tsafe, Bungudu, and Shinkafi LGAs in Zamfara State; Kankara, Dandume, and Kurfi LGAs in Katsina State; and Isa, Tangaza, Binji, Tureta, and Sabon Birni LGAs in Sokoto State. Additional operations covered Doka, Kachia, and Zaria LGAs in Kaduna State, as well as Borgu in Niger State and Zuru in Kebbi State. These raids neutralized more terrorists, led to 16 arrests, and rescued 35 victims, with recoveries including weapons, vehicles, and livestock, further disrupting gunrunning networks across the theatre.
In a critical air support mission, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to a distress call during a ground clearance at Chukuba Village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Aerial scans detected terrorist activities, and targets were engaged with cannons, leading to the neutralization of several insurgents as confirmed by battle damage assessments. This integrated approach underscores the military's use of combined ground and air tactics to dismantle terrorist operations effectively.
Major General Onoja reported that the vital intelligence shared by local communities and the relentless dedication of the troops, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, led by Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, are sharpening their approaches to tackle shifting dangers and build a more secure future for the North West. Major General Onoja pointed out that these impressive wins come from strong teamwork across agencies, but it's the grassroots tips from residents and the soldiers' unbreakable commitment on the ground that truly drive progress, protecting our nation and improving everyday life for families caught in the crossfire.
The Defence Headquarters remains steadfast in its continuous support to safeguard lives and properties in the North West, deploying enhanced resources, advanced surveillance, and rapid response teams to prevent any resurgence of terrorism. With General Oluyede's leadership, the military is intensifying collaborative efforts with stakeholders, ensuring proactive measures that protect communities, support resettlement, and promote economic recovery in the region.