Operation Fasan Yamma, a critical component of the larger Operation Hadarin Daji, has made remarkable progress in combating terrorism and banditry in Northwest Nigeria
This was disclosed yesterday 10th December 2024, when Defence Correspondents from Defence Headquarters, Abuja, visited the operation’s headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, as part of a spot assessment of Operation Hadarin Daji (Northwest Nigeria).
The team, led by Group Captain A.I. Bukar of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DMO), was received by Brigadier General N.N. Orok, Chief of Staff, Joint Task Force Operation Fasan Yamma, on behalf of the Theatre Commander,Major General O.O Soyele
The Defence Correspondents were briefed on the operation’s notable accomplishments, including:
– 222 terrorists neutralized and 285 arrested.
– 608 kidnapped victims rescued and reunited with their families.
– Recovery of 159 assorted weapons, 2,701 rounds of ammunition, 250 motorcycles, and 4,439 livestock from criminal groups.
The Theatre Commander stated that the Air Component of the operation has been instrumental, executing precision airstrikes that have destroyed terrorist hideouts and neutralized key targets.
He maintained that the combined efforts, alongside ground operations, have significantly weakened terrorist networks and diminished their operational capabilities.
While Operation Fasan Yamma has seen impressive successes, challenges persist. One of the emerging concerns is the new terrorist group Lakurawa, which initially formed as a community-based force to combat banditry but later transformed into a terrorist group.
The Theatre Commander assured that military operations were already in place to neutralize Lakurawa, and their elimination is imminent.
He said”Other ongoing challenges include the alliance between terrorist groups and criminal syndicates, as well as illegal mining activities in Zamfara and Niger states. Nevertheless, the operation’s dual approach combining kinetic (combat) and non-kinetic (negotiation and surrender) strategies has led to the surrender of several key terrorist leaders.
“The success of Operation Fasan Yamma is largely due to the effective collaboration between security agencies, local authorities, and communities. Local vigilante groups have been instrumental in intelligence gathering, while community members have played a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing criminal elements”.
Lt Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the Media Coordinator for Operation Fasan Yamma, commended the Defence Correspondents for their support in reporting the operation’s successes. He emphasized the essential role of the media in maintaining public awareness and encouraging continued cooperation between security forces and local communities.
The Defence Correspondents’ visit highlighted the significant progress made in tackling insecurity in the region. The military remains committed to ensuring the safety of citizens, sustaining momentum in the operation, and facilitating the return of economic activities.
The briefing concluded with a call for continued cooperation between all stakeholders, stressing the importance of collective
Operation Fasan Yamma, a critical component of the larger Operation Hadarin Daji, has made remarkable progress in combating terrorism and banditry in Northwest Nigeria
Operation Fasan Yamma, which is operating under the auspices of Operation Hadarin Daji, span four sectors with sub-sectors across parts of North Central and Northwest Nigeria.
The initiative brought together the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) forming a powerful synergy in tackling insecurity in the region.
