Operation FANSAN YANMA rescues 119 kidnap victims, neutralises bandits in Southern Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sub-Sector 5, Operation FANSAN YANMA, have rescued no fewer than 119 kidnapped victims, neutralised bandits and destroyed several criminal hideouts in sustained operations across Southern Kaduna.
The Commander, Sub-Sector 5, Operation FANSAN YANMA, Navy Capt. Patrick Onoja Ali, disclosed this during an interview with defence correspondents at Kachia on Thursday.
Ali said the successes were recorded through a series of intelligence-led clearance operations, fighting patrols and joint security missions conducted across the formation’s area of responsibility.
According to him, Sub-Sector 5 was activated on Jan. 28, 2024, as part of efforts to restore law and order across Kachia, Kajuru, Chikun, Kagarko and parts of Zangon Kataf Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
He said the formation comprises the 312 Artillery Regiment, 305 Artillery Regiment, Maritime Component and the DSS Special Operations Force.
The commander noted that kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, cattle rustling and attacks on farming communities remained the major security threats confronting the area.
He, however, said troops had continued to sustain operational momentum through aggressive clearance operations and community-based intelligence gathering.
“On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026, troops of Sub-Sector 5 conducted clearance operations in four different axes within the joint operations area.
“During the operations, several bandit camps were destroyed in parts of the operational environment, disrupting criminal activities and denying the criminals freedom of action.
“On Feb. 4, troops deployed at Kachia conducted a fighting patrol to Angwan Wahala following reports of kidnapping and motorcycle theft in the area.
“The troops made contact with the fleeing bandits, neutralised one of them, rescued seven kidnapped victims and recovered three stolen motorcycles,” he said.
Ali said the rescued victims were subsequently reunited with their families, while the recovered motorcycles were taken into custody.
He described the rescue of 88 kidnapped victims in Kurmin-Risga as one of the most significant operational achievements recorded by the formation.
According to him, the victims were abducted during a church service before troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched a coordinated rescue operation.
“On Feb. 5, we conducted a joint operation with security agencies following the kidnapping incident in Kurmin-Risga.
“The operation led to the rescue of 88 kidnapped victims, who were later handed over to the Kaduna State Government before being reunited with their families,” he said.
Ali further disclosed that troops conducting clearance operations between Feb. 12 and 13 in Kajuru axis recovered 24 kidnapped victims who escaped from a bandit enclave within the Rijana Forest.
He said the victims were handed over to local authorities and subsequently reunited with their families.
The commander added that troops also arrested four suspected bandits in March, who were handed over to the Headquarters of 1 Division Nigerian Army for further investigation and prosecution.
According to him, troops have maintained a robust security presence across major routes and vulnerable communities within the operational area.
He explained that personnel deployed at various Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) conduct stop-and-search operations, fighting patrols and community protection missions aimed at preventing kidnappings, attacks on schools and movement of armed criminals.
Ali said troops had also responded effectively to threats against farming communities, citing a recent deployment to Makyali community following reports of an impending bandit attack on farmers.
“We received a distress call and immediately deployed troops to the area.
“Our personnel contained the threat and maintained a security presence there. Since then, the bandits have not returned to attack the community,” he said.
The commander noted that troops had also intervened in several cases of cattle rustling, recovering stolen livestock and returning them to their rightful owners.
He said the formation remained committed to protecting lives and livelihoods, particularly in agrarian communities where farming constituted the major source of economic activity.
Ali attributed many of the operational successes to strong collaboration between the military, local communities and other security stakeholders.
He said traditional rulers, local government officials, youth leaders and residents had continued to provide credible intelligence on the activities and movements of criminal elements.
“We maintain very cordial relationships with community leaders, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and youth groups.
“They provide us with timely intelligence, and whenever there is any threat or suspicious movement, they alert us immediately.
“This cooperation has greatly enhanced our operational effectiveness and our ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats,” he said.
Ali assured residents that troops would continue to sustain offensive and protective operations aimed at reducing insecurity to the barest minimum and creating a conducive environment for socio-economic activities across Southern Kaduna.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YANMA to restoring lasting peace and stability in the region through sustained military pressure on bandits and other criminal elements.
