Major
General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced these
operational successes today during a press briefing in Abuja. Operation FANSAN
YAMMA, covering Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, has fused
ground manoeuvres with air interdiction and real-time intelligence to maintain
operational superiority against entrenched threats.
A standout
moment occurred on February 21, 2026, when troops successfully rescued 21
victims abducted two days earlier from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa
Local Government Area of Katsina State. The freed individuals were safely
handed over to state authorities, marking a direct relief to affected families
and communities.
Interceptions
of arms caches and ammunition from gunrunners have significantly disrupted
criminal logistics, leading to fewer ambushes and raids. These kinetic gains
have paved the way for community dialogues, resulting in voluntary disarmament
in select areas and strengthened local vigilance networks. To further address
underlying drivers of insecurity, the operation has deployed agro-security
patrols to safeguard farmlands and herders, reducing farmer-herder conflicts
often exploited by terrorists.
Complementing
these measures, infrastructure repairs in bandit-prone zones are underway to
spur economic revival and deter youth recruitment into criminal networks. The
recent donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) by the Zamfara State
Government has enhanced troop mobility and rapid response capabilities,
bolstering the overall effectiveness of the operation.
These
targeted efforts in the North-West align with the broader AFN strategy of
combining decisive military action with non-kinetic initiatives to build
resilient communities. By securing farmlands, protecting vulnerable
populations, and fostering economic stability, the operations directly support
the Defence Headquarters' core responsibility of safeguarding Nigerian lives
and properties while promoting sustainable peace.
Major
General Onoja reiterated that all actions remain guided by international
humanitarian standards, rules of engagement, and respect for human rights. The
AFN continues to rely on credible intelligence from citizens, whose vigilance
has been instrumental in these gains.
As the
Armed Forces sustain momentum across theatres, these successes in Operation
FANSAN YAMMA represent a critical step toward reclaiming stability in the
North-West, allowing residents to live, farm, and thrive securely.