Troops Close In on Terrorist Network as Suspected Commanders Are Captured in Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian military operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have captured key commanders of a notorious terrorist group accused of involvement in the kidnapping and killing of Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd) in Katsina State.

The operation, conducted on Sunday, September 20, 2026, reportedly led to the capture of several senior members of the terrorist group operating under the name “Kachalla Maha”.

Among those apprehended was Samagi, identified as one of the group’s top commanders and a key figure within its operational structure.

The capture of the senior terrorist commanders marks a significant development in ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and disrupting their command and control structures across the North-West.

The suspects are believed to have played prominent roles in the activities of the Kachalla Maha group, which has been accused of involvement in kidnapping, killings and other violent attacks in parts of the region.

The operation involved troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA working closely with local vigilantes, who provided support during the security operation. The collaboration highlights the importance of credible local intelligence and community-based security partnerships in tracking terrorists operating across difficult and remote terrain.

The capture of Samagi and other senior members of the group could provide security agencies with valuable intelligence on the group’s leadership structure, operational methods, hideouts, supply networks and possible collaborators.

The reported killing of Major General Abubakar Rabe has heightened concerns over the activities of armed terrorist groups and the threats they pose to military personnel and civilians in the North-West.

Security forces have continued to intensify operations against terrorist groups and other armed criminal elements, particularly in identified areas of operation, with the objective of denying them freedom of movement and disrupting their capacity to carry out attacks and kidnappings.

The latest arrests are also expected to support ongoing intelligence-gathering efforts and potentially assist security agencies in tracing other members of the network and establishing their links to previous attacks.

The suspects are expected to undergo further investigation to determine their individual roles in the activities of the Kachalla Maha group and establish their possible involvement in other violent incidents across Katsina and neighbouring states.

Further official details on the operation, including the exact number of suspects captured and any weapons or other items recovered, are expected from the military authorities.

The development comes as Nigerian security forces sustain coordinated operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring security across the North-West.