The Armed Forces of Nigeria say troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other North Central operations recorded significant successes against terrorists, bandits and criminal elements in the first quarter of 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
Onoja said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained sustained operational tempo across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
He said the troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 114 suspects and rescued 386 kidnapped victims within the period.
According to him, key operations in March included the destruction of a major terrorist enclave belonging to the Lapu Rawa group in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto state.
He added that troops arrested suspected logistics suppliers conveying motorcycles and fuel to terrorists and rescued kidnapped victims in Katsina.
“Troops also repelled attacks in Sokoto and Zamfara states and arrested a gunrunner with 200 rounds of ammunition in Kaduna state,” he said.
On operations in the North Central, Onoja said troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD and Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded notable achievements.
He said the troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested suspects and rescued kidnapped victims across Niger, Kwara, Plateau and Bauchi state.
“Notably, troops neutralised over 17 terrorists in Niger and intercepted 850 bags of ammonium chloride, an improvised explosive device precursor, in Kwara.
“They also rescued abducted worshippers and arrested illegal miners, including foreign nationals,” he said.
Onoja added that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested 210 suspects and rescued 61 kidnapped victims during the quarter.
He said troops also intercepted large quantities of ammonium sulphate and arrested drug suspects during operations in March.
He noted that ongoing operations had significantly disrupted criminal networks and reduced threats across the regions.
