Army Thwarts Major Kidnap Plot in FCT, Disrupts Terrorist Activities Across Northern Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has scored fresh operational successes across the country, foiling a significant kidnap plot in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and disrupting terrorist and criminal activities in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions within the last 24 hours.

A credible military source told News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully dismantled multiple terrorist networks in Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto States.

According to the source, soldiers of 1 Battalion (Reconnaissance) raided Sakwabe Forest at Bachaka in Arewa Local Government Area, Kebbi State, forcing terrorists to flee and recovering ammunition, clothing, and communication devices. Troops at FOB Kaoje also responded to a distress call at Bakin Ruwa, where police had arrested three suspected terrorists. Following the arrests, the troops intensified patrols in the area amid fears of reprisal attacks.

In Katsina State, soldiers of 17 Brigade responded to an attack along the Kankara–Mabai Road, where terrorists killed a commercial driver. The troops evacuated passengers and their vehicles to safety and rescued a kidnapped victim at Unguwan Nayaya during a fighting patrol.

In Sokoto, troops of 8 Division Garrison engaged terrorists at Chacho Village in Wurno Local Government Area, evacuating a civilian injured by gunshots to UDUTH Sokoto.

The highlight of the 24-hour operations occurred in the FCT, where troops of 176 Guards Battalion, working with the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, foiled a planned mass abduction in Kwali and Gwagwalada Area Councils. Acting on intelligence and intercepted communications, soldiers ambushed the kidnap syndicate at Gada-Biu on December 1, killing one suspect and recovering an AK-47 rifle with ammunition.

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) also conducted clearance operations in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State, recovering a pump-action gun, a Dane gun, and three motorcycles after insurgents fled.

Meanwhile, a soldier was arrested in Kashimbila for allegedly communicating with a wanted insurgent leader identified as “Commander Abam.”

The source added that troops across all theatres continue to dominate the battlespace through aggressive patrols, ambushes, and combat operations, emphasizing that the security forces remain committed to decisively defeating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping nationwide.