Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, working alongside local vigilantes, have reportedly captured key commanders of a terrorist group suspected of involvement in the kidnapping and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State.
The operation, carried out on Sunday, September 20, 2026, reportedly resulted in the arrest of several senior members of the terrorist group known as the Kachalla Maha network.
Among those captured was a suspected commander identified as Samagi, who is believed to be a prominent figure within the group's operational structure.
According to security sources, the suspects are expected to undergo detailed investigation and profiling to determine their individual roles in the activities of the group and their possible involvement in other attacks and kidnappings across Katsina and neighbouring states.
The arrests were reportedly achieved through cooperation between military personnel and local vigilantes, with intelligence from local communities playing a role in tracking the suspects.
Security authorities are expected to use information obtained from the arrested suspects to uncover details about the group's leadership structure, hideouts, supply networks and other possible members or collaborators.
The development comes months after Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State. He later died while in captivity. His wife was subsequently rescued during a military operation.
The military has continued intensified operations in Katsina and other parts of the North-West as part of efforts to disrupt terrorist and bandit networks operating in the region.
