Soldiers operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West have carried out a series of operations in Katsina State that led to the rescue of a civilian, the arrest of suspects, and the recovery of stolen livestock.

The first operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, 26 July 2026 in Karkata, Charanchi Local Government. Troops of Sector 2, working with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, responded to reports of armed men in the area. On arrival, the soldiers exchanged fire with the attackers. The gunmen retreated into the bush and left behind a woman they had abducted. She was found safe and later handed back to her family.

Hours later, the same troops, this time alongside NDLEA personnel, carried out coordinated searches in Wagin, Tundu Mobi and Chadawaki areas of Batsari LGA. The raids resulted in the detention of some suspects. A locally manufactured rifle with five bullets and other materials were also recovered. The suspects and items have been transferred to NDLEA for further action.

In a third incident on the same day in Yankwani, Bakori LGA, troops laid an ambush on a path believed to be used by criminals. The soldiers engaged armed men moving animals suspected to have been stolen. The attackers escaped, abandoning the livestock. In total, 126 animals were recovered — 83 cows and 43 sheep. Traditional and local government officials in Bakori received the animals to help identify and return them to owners.

The head of Operation FANSAN YAMMA praised the troops for their efforts and said the military will continue targeted operations to degrade criminal networks in the North West.

SOURCE: Nigeria Army.