TROOPS SMASH TERROR HIDEOUT, FREE 106 HOSTAGES IN ZAMFARA, NAB KINGPIN MAMIYO

By Ohworisi Elohor.

In a significant victory against terrorism and banditry, troops under Operation Fasin Yamma rescued 106 kidnapped victims during a well-coordinated assault on a terrorist enclave in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

This was revealed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a statement issued on Friday. The rescue operation formed part of a broader military offensive aimed at dismantling terror networks across the country.

According to Kangye, an additional 32 hostages comprising 27 adult women and five children, were earlier released by terrorists to the Office of the National Security Adviser on July 20, 2025, following persistent non-combat engagements.

In a separate joint operation, troops working alongside operatives of the Department of State Services apprehended a notorious terror leader, Muhammadu Hamisu, also known as Mamiyo, along with five of his close associates in Zamfara and Sokoto States. Several motorcycles, weapons, hard drugs, logistics supplies, and ₦192,300 in cash were recovered during the coordinated raids.

Military operations conducted between July 16 and 22 across various regions; North West, North East, North Central, South South, and South East, resulted in the arrest of over 250 suspects, the rescue of more than 160 hostages, and the seizure of substantial arms, ammunition, and vehicles.

Highlights from Operational Zones:
North West & North East: Several terrorists were neutralised and hostages freed during raids in Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Adamawa States. Multiple collaborators were also taken into custody, while several improvised explosive devices were safely deactivated.

Niger Delta: Under Operation Delta Safe, troops disrupted illegal oil activities, destroyed 14 illicit refineries, and halted thefts valued at over ₦241 million. A large cache of weapons and equipment was recovered, while 237 suspects were arrested.

South East: Seven suspected kidnappers were arrested, and a child being trafficked from Taraba to Anambra was rescued by troops of Operation Udoka.

North Central: Security forces carried out successful operations in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and Taraba States, leading to multiple arrests, recovery of arms, and liberation of abducted persons. In Kogi State, a gunrunner and a suspected terror informant were captured.

FCT: In the Federal Capital Territory, troops arrested five suspected criminals in Abaji and Gwagwalada Area Councils, recovering weapons and other illegal items.

Meanwhile, continued military pressure in the North East led to the surrender of several Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their family members, in parts of Borno and Yobe States.

Major General Kangye commended the bravery and professionalism displayed by the troops, noting that the operations were designed to restore peace and protect lives across the nation.

“These operations have been carefully executed to enhance national security and secure our communities,” he said. “The Armed Forces remain fully committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and call on citizens to continue supporting efforts to defeat criminal elements.”

He reaffirmed the military’s resolve to maintain the momentum until all threats are neutralised and normalcy is restored across affected regions.