Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have successfully rescued six kidnapped individuals in the Kajuru/Kujama area of Kaduna State, marking another operational victory against criminal and extremist elements in the region. The rescue was executed on 5 January 2026 as part of a broader, coordinated series of security operations across multiple axes in Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia, and Kagarko Local Government Areas, including border fringes near Kauru communities.
The operations, which are ongoing, are intended to restrict the freedom of movement and operational capability of violent extremists within the Sector 1 Joint Operations Area (JOA). Acting swiftly on a distress alert about criminal activity near the Kasso adjoining hills, troops from Sub-Sector 5, already engaged in clearance operations around the Kujeni area, mobilised promptly to the scene. Upon arrival, they encountered the kidnappers and engaged them with effective suppressive fire, compelling the criminals to retreat in disarray into surrounding forests.
Exploiting the tactical advantage, the troops conducted a thorough search and successfully located and rescued six abducted victims, who were immediately handed over to representatives of the Kajuru Local Government Area and the Kajuru Emirate Council for reunification with their families. The swift action underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to civilian protection and demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in countering violent criminal networks.
Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, General Officer Commanding and Commander of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their bravery and operational discipline. He further urged personnel to maintain maximum alertness and sustain a high operational tempo to deny criminal elements any opportunity to exploit gaps within the Joint Operations Area.
This latest success follows a series of coordinated military interventions in Kaduna and neighbouring states, aimed at dismantling kidnapping and bandit networks that have increasingly threatened the safety of civilians in rural communities. Security analysts note that the region’s geography, including hills and forested areas, provides cover for criminal and extremist groups, making rapid and decisive military responses crucial to safeguarding residents and curbing criminal impunity.
The Nigerian Army continues to emphasise community collaboration and intelligence-led operations as central to ongoing counter-kidnapping and counter-terrorism efforts. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities promptly, ensuring that security forces can respond effectively and prevent potential attacks or abductions.
This operation also highlights the growing operational capacity of the Sector 1 OPFY JOA, reflecting lessons learned from past interventions and improved coordination between various military units and local authorities. The rescue of the six victims not only prevents further harm to the civilians involved but also serves as a strong deterrent message to criminal networks in Kaduna and beyond.
Lieutenant Colonel Shuaib Umar, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 1 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 1 Operations FANSAN YAMMA, issued the official statement on 6 January 2026, affirming that troops remain on high alert and committed to sustaining pressure on criminal and extremist elements operating in the state.
The ongoing operations in Kajuru, Chikun, Kachia, and Kagarko demonstrate a comprehensive approach to regional security, combining intelligence collection, rapid deployment, and close coordination with local authorities and community representatives. Analysts stress that such interventions are essential not only for rescuing victims but also for restoring public confidence and stability in areas historically vulnerable to violent crimes and abductions.
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