23 terrorists killed, 26 kidnap victims rescued in Katsina

23 terrorists killed, 26 kidnap victims rescued in Katsina

Not fewer than 23 terrorists were killed and 26 kidnap victims rescued in coordinated operations by Nigerian Army troops, Defence Special Operations Force and Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in Kankara and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State. 

A source at the Army headquarters told The Nation on Monday morning that troops also arrested 14 suspected terrorists and criminals in the Northeast and Northcentral regions and recovered various weapons and logistics items. Meanwhile, four members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) surrendered in the Northeast.

The source said: “On 6 September 2025, troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with the Defence Special Operations Force and Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted a major offensive in Pauwa village, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. The joint force made contact with terrorists entrenched on Pauwa Hill, leading to a fierce firefight supported by aerial intelligence and artillery fire.

“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 23 terrorists, the rescue of 12 women and 11 children held in captivity, and the recovery of five motorcycles, spare parts, food supplies, and other logistics, which were destroyed in the situation.

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“In Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops on patrol rescued three kidnapped locals after engaging fleeing terrorists near Shaiskawa village.”

According to the source, in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of 19 Brigade arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier attempting to transport items from Cross Kauwa to Dawoshi village. They recovered a mobile phone, a wristwatch, ₦55,000 in cash, and other items, while the suspect remains in custody for further investigation.

The military source said: “On 6 September, four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists, comprising two women and two children, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed they fled from Lekshe village and are currently in custody for further profiling.

“In another development on 7 September, troops of 232 Battalion raided a criminal hideout in Muva village, Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The operation led to the arrest of 5 suspected thieves and drug peddlers, who have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution.”

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the military source said, troops of 102 Guards Battalion at Dei-Dei Quick Response Group arrested three suspects involved in phone snatching and other criminal activities around Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Zuba areas, and recovered four mobile phones and a smart watch.

“The suspects have been handed over to the police for further action,” he said.

23 terrorists killed, 26 kidnap victims rescued in Katsina