In a decisive counter-terrorism operation, Nigerian security forces have eliminated at least 23 militants who launched attacks in Kano State before fleeing towards Katsina. The successful mission, which combined ground troops and precision air power, highlights the military's ongoing efforts to curb banditry and terrorism in the region.
Coordinated Response to Nighttime Assault
The incident began on the night of Thursday, January 1, 2026, extending into the early hours of Friday, January 2. Terrorists launched coordinated attacks on the Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas in Kano State. Troops from the Joint Task Force, supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, swiftly responded to contain the violent onslaught.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, January 4, by Major Zubairu Babatunde, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 3 Brigade, ground forces successfully repelled the attacks and inflicted significant casualties on the assailants. The surviving terrorists then fled the scene, with troops in pursuit.
Precision Airstrike in Katsina
Military intelligence tracked the fleeing militants to Karaduwa village in the Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State. Intelligence reports indicated that the group had gathered at Dan Marke in the same council area to bury members killed during the initial confrontation with troops in Kano.
The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 2, located the bandits and monitored their movement. They observed the terrorists converging after crossing a dry riverbed. A precision air strike was authorised and executed, resulting in the neutralisation of 23 terrorists. Several others are believed to have escaped with serious injuries.
Major Babatunde confirmed that the operation, bolstered by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, also led to the destruction of several weapons and equipment belonging to the terrorist group.
Military Commendation and Public Appeal
The Commander of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended both the air component and ground troops for their bravery and resilience during the high-stakes operation. The spokesperson stated that troop morale and combat effectiveness remain very high.
He assured the public that the security situation in Kano State is now calm, with troops maintaining robust patrols and surveillance across the affected areas. The Nigerian Army expressed appreciation for the public's support in the fight against insecurity and urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid their operations.
The military reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to protect lives and property and to continue taking all necessary measures to ensure national security.
Amnesty International Condemns Plateau, Kaduna Violence
In a related development, Amnesty International has condemned fresh attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states. The human rights organisation, in a post on its official X page on January 4, stated that attacks in Qua'an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State and Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State are an indication of the utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives.
This separate condemnation underscores the persistent security challenges facing multiple regions in Nigeria, despite ongoing military operations.
