Nigerian Navy Foils Attacks, Frees Abducted Victims in Northwest.

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of the Nigerian Navy have rescued victims and neutralised suspected insurgents in a series of counter-terrorism operations under Operation FASAN YAMMA in the North-West.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operations involved multiple engagements with violent extremist elements, leading to the rescue of abducted persons and recovery of weapons.

The statement said troops at Forward Operating Base Ibira responded to distress calls along the Doka–Ibira axis on April 18, 2026, where they engaged armed attackers who had opened fire on civilians.

Five victims were rescued during the operation, four of whom sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the General Hospital in Idon for treatment, while one later died from injuries. The victims’ vehicle was also recovered, and troopscommenced efforts to track the fleeing attackers.

In a separate operation on April 20, troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade carried out an ambush at Anguwan Haske, resulting in the killing of one suspected insurgent and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle. The troops recorded no casualties.

Also, personnel deployed at Forward Operating Base Dokan Karji responded to a distress call from Kushere Village, where civilians had been abducted. The troops engaged the attackers in a gunfight, forcing them to retreat and rescuing three victims unharmed.

The Navy said the operations reflect its continued role in supporting counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts, adding that it remains committed to sustaining operations against violent groups and ensuring security across affected regions.

It urged members of the public to provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.