More than one thousand Nigerians abducted by bandits across the North-West have regained their freedom as troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division intensified a sweeping crackdown that has left notorious criminal leaders dead, their camps destroyed, and weapons seized.
The scale of the military’s gains came to light in Sokoto during the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA), where the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Maj-Gen Ibikunle Ajose revealed that sustained operations under Operation FASAN YAMMA have significantly weakened bandit networks terrorising Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states.
He said that from January to date, the Army has recovered 189 AK-47 rifles, over 4,300 rounds of ammunition, 305 motorcycles and more than 4,000 rustled livestock, while 1,023 kidnapped victims were rescued from forests and hideouts once considered impenetrable.
According to him, a series of successful aggressive operations have led to the neutralisation of several feared bandit leaders, forcing criminal gangs to flee or abandon strongholds.
“Communities that were previously under siege are breathing again. Farmers are returning to their fields and traders are moving goods freely with a renewed sense of safety across many rural areas”
He said that the Division’s success was boosted by the deployment of special forces units trained for rapid strike-and-destroy missions, enabling troops to hit bandit enclaves with speed and precision.
The disclosure was made against the backdrop of the colourful West African Social Activities (WASA) celebration at the 8 Division Headquarters, a yearly tradition where soldiers unwind after months of frontline duty.
Beyond the music and cultural displays, the event served as a reminder of the heavy toll security operations have taken on troops and their families.
Representing Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, the Special Adviser on Security, Col Ahmed Abdul Usman (rtd), praised the Army for restoring relative peace and assured continued state support until banditry is completely crushed.
“The government stands firmly with the military to ensure our communities remain safe,” he said.
Maj-Gen Ajose also disclosed that attention is being given to troop welfare, with renovated barracks, upgraded medical facilities, and additional health workers deployed to support soldiers and their families.
As the year winds down, the Army insists the battle is far from over. But with bandit camps falling, weapons seized, and hundreds of hostages freed, residents across the North-West are beginning to hope that the long nightmare of insecurity may finally be easing.
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