The Nigerian Navy has said its troops under “Operation FASAN YAMMA” have rescued eight kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations against insurgents in the North West.

In a statement, the Naval spokesperson, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operations were conducted by personnel deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibira and other tactical units between April 2 and April 18, 2026, in Kaduna State and adjoining areas.

He explained that on April 18, troops at FOB Ibira responded swiftly to a distress call following reports of gunfire along the Doka–Ibira axis. On arrival at the scene, the troops made contact with armed extremists who immediately opened fire.

The naval personnel, according to the statement, returned fire and forced the attackers to flee, abandoning their victims.

“Five victims were rescued during the encounter. Four of them sustained gunshot injuries and were evacuated to the General Hospital in Idon for urgent medical treatment, while one later died despite efforts to save him,” Folorunsho said.

He added that follow-up clearance operations were conducted in the area to track fleeing insurgents and stabilise the environment.

In a separate operation on April 2, troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at Anguwan Haske, where one insurgent was neutralised and an AK-47 rifle was recovered. The Navy said no casualties were recorded among its personnel.

Similarly, troops at FOB Dokan Karji responded to another distress call from Kushere Village, where armed men had abducted residents. The troops engaged the attackers in a gunfight, forcing them to retreat as they successfully rescued three kidnapped victims without injury.

Captain Folorunsho said the operations highlight the Nigerian Navy’s growing role in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.