Terrorists on the run as Troops arrest three, destroy enclaves in Kaduna, Katsina

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators, recovered weapons and ammunition, and destroyed terrorist enclaves in Kaduna and Katsina states.

The military disclosed that the operations were conducted on August 27 and 28, 2026, as part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and deny them operational footholds across the region.

In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1, acting on intelligence, arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator on August 27. The suspect was reportedly found carrying two locally fabricated guns and 13 rounds of ammunition concealed in a bag.

During preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly revealed that he had been assigned to deliver the weapons and ammunition to another individual.

Based on the information obtained, troops launched a follow-up operation and arrested two additional suspects allegedly linked to the movement of the weapons.

The three suspects, alongside the recovered arms, ammunition and other items, are undergoing further investigation, according to the military.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2, working with other security agencies, carried out a clearance operation on August 28 targeting terrorist enclaves around Maharba and Karaduwa in Matazu Local Government Area.

The operation resulted in the destruction of the identified enclaves and structures allegedly being used by terrorists to facilitate their activities.

Troops also targeted an enclave linked to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, whose group has reportedly terrorised communities in Matazu and Musawa local government areas.

The military said Filani narrowly escaped as troops advanced on the enclave.

During a subsequent search of the area, troops recovered an RPG-7 tube, a motorcycle, mobile phones and other items believed to have been abandoned by the terrorists.

Security forces subsequently conducted further fighting patrols across the area to consolidate the operation and prevent the terrorists from regrouping or regaining freedom of movement.

The latest operations, the Joint Task Force said, form part of its broader intelligence-led campaign to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt the movement of arms and logistics and destroy hideouts used to sustain criminal activities in the North-West.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it remained committed to coordinated military and inter-agency operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and creating conditions for lasting peace and security in affected communities.