The Nigerian military has sustained robust security operations in Katsina State, with the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Faskari recording notable successes against terrorists and other criminal elements across its area of responsibility.
This was disclosed by the Commander, FOB Faskari, Major Hassan D. Abubakar, during an operational briefing to Defence Correspondents from Defence Headquarters, Abuja, led by Commander Godwin Egbunu, during a visit to the base on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Major Hassan Abubakar explained that FOB Faskari operates as a composite military formation comprising elements of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Special Operations, Nigerian Air Force Special Operations, Nigeria Police Mobile Force, military police, engineers, signals, medical units, and other support services. He noted that the base was established to counter the surge in terrorist and bandit activities in the North-West region and has remained pivotal to ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
According to him, air and ground operations launched from the base since its establishment in 2020 have significantly degraded terrorist networks operating around Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Musawa and surrounding communities, while also ensuring effective control of the airspace.
The Commander stated that sustained offensive and clearance operations have led to the destruction of several terrorist camps, reopening previously inaccessible farmlands and enabling residents to resume farming and commercial activities without fear of harassment.
He further disclosed that Improvised Explosive Device (IED) countermeasures have been emplaced across the area, with security arrangements constantly reviewed to respond to evolving threats. Despite operational challenges, troops remain resolute and focused on achieving their mandate of protecting lives, property and critical supply routes.
Major Abubakar added that the ECOBI facility within the FOB continue to serve as a key training and staging ground, where troops are prepared and familiarised with the terrain before conducting offensive and clearance operations.
On the general security situation, the commander said the FOB’s area of responsibility remains relatively calm, with improved freedom of movement for commuters, including night travel, though isolated criminal activities such as kidnapping attempts are still being monitored and addressed.
He cited the recently concluded Nigerian Army planning exercise, conducted in November, as another success that led to the neutralisation of armed bandit groups and recovery of weapons, with no major security breach recorded since then.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the Defence Correspondents’ delegation, Commander Godwin Egbunu, said the visit was aimed at giving journalists firsthand insight into military operations across various theatres, including FOB Faskari, to ensure accurate and balanced reporting of security efforts nationwide.
Meanwhile, leaders of vigilante groups in Faskari, including Alhaji Abubakar Bature Magaji and former chairman Alhaji Labi Lukman, expressed appreciation to the military for improved security, noting that schools, markets and farmlands have become safer compared to previous years.
They called for sustained collaboration between the military, security agencies, local authorities and community groups to consolidate the gains already recorded.
The briefing concluded with assurances from the military that operations would continue until lasting peace and stability are fully restored across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.
