By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Fasin Yamma have killed 23 terrorists and rescued 23 kidnapped victims during a raid on a hideout in Pauwa village, Kankara LGA of Katsina State.
A military source said the Saturday operation, supported by air and artillery fire, also destroyed motorcycles, spare parts, lubricants, farm machinery, and foodstuffs recovered from the terrorists.
The rescued victims comprised 12 women and 11 children.
In a separate encounter, troops of Forward Operating Base Malumfashi rescued three more kidnap victims in Shaiskawa village, Matazu LGA, Katsina State, following a firefight with terrorists.
Elsewhere, four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists: two women and two children surrendered to troops of 192 Battalion in Gwoza LGA, Borno State. In Kukawa LGA, Borno, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier with a phone, wristwatch, and ₦55,000 cash. In Adamawa, five suspects linked to theft and drug peddling were nabbed during a raid on Muva village.
Under Operation MESA, three phone snatchers were arrested in the FCT’s Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Zuba areas, with four phones and a smartwatch recovered.
Troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State also mediated a farmer-herder clash in Jos East LGA, preventing escalation.
The military source stressed that troops will sustain pressure on terrorists and criminal networks until peace is restored nationwide, urging citizens to provide credible intelligence to aid operations.
Launched in late 2024, Operation Fasin Yamma (“Salvage the West”) targets banditry and terrorism across the Northwest, consolidating previous efforts like Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch into a joint theatre for improved coordination.
