The Nigerian Army has confirmed that its troops neutralized 23 terrorists, rescued 26 hostages, and arrested 14 suspects during a series of coordinated operations across Katsina, Borno, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to military sources, troops of the 17 Brigade, working alongside the Defence Special Operations Force and the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched a major offensive on September 6 at Pauwa village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation involved intense firefights on Pauwa Hill, supported by artillery bombardments and airstrikes.

“During the encounter, 23 terrorists were neutralized while 12 women and 11 children held in captivity were rescued. Troops also recovered motorcycles, spare parts, food items, and other logistics, which were destroyed on the spot,” the sources revealed.

In Borno State, four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists two women and two children—surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area after fleeing from Lekshe village. They are currently undergoing profiling.

Similarly, troops of the 19 Brigade arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Kukawa Local Government Area while attempting to move items from Cross Kauwa to Dawoshi village. Recovered items included N55,000 cash, a wristwatch, and a mobile phone.

In Adamawa State, soldiers of the 232 Battalion raided a criminal hideout in Muva village, Mubi North Local Government Area, arresting five suspected thieves and drug peddlers. The suspects have since been handed over to the police for prosecution.

Meanwhile, troops of the 102 Guards Battalion at the Dei-Dei Quick Response Group in the FCT arrested three suspects involved in phone snatching and other crimes in the Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Zuba axis. Four mobile phones and a smartwatch were recovered.

Troops also rescued three kidnapped victims in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina after confronting fleeing terrorists near Shaiskawa village.

Military sources reiterated the Nigerian Army’s resolve to maintain an enabling environment for agriculture and socio-economic activities in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.