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.

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has been appointed Grand Patron of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF), as organisers seek to strengthen connections between established business leaders and emerging entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond.

The appointment was formally presented during a visit by the GEF Board to Dangote, where he was also recognised for his contributions to entrepreneurship, business development and economic transformation.

Dangote to Support Global Entrepreneurship Drive

The festival said Dangote’s experience in building businesses and investing across major sectors of the African economy would add value to its entrepreneurship platform.

Speaking after receiving his certificate of appointment, Dangote highlighted the importance of connecting entrepreneurs and businesses to explore opportunities for collaboration.

He said the platform could help bring entrepreneurs from North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world together to identify areas where businesses can work together.

GEF Targets Stronger Business Connections

The appointment is part of the festival’s broader effort to connect established business leaders, investors, institutions and policymakers with emerging entrepreneurs.

GEF President, Dr Summy Smart Francis, led the delegation that presented the appointment to Dangote. The organisation said his involvement would strengthen efforts to promote enterprise development, investment and collaboration.

GEF Vice Chairman, Dr Elizabeth Jack-Rich, was also credited with facilitating the engagement between the festival’s leadership and Dangote.

Festival to Hold in Egypt

The 2026 edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival is scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from November 6 to 8.

The three-day event is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, business leaders, policymakers and institutions from Africa and other parts of the world.

The festival is designed to provide opportunities for networking, investment discussions, mentorship, knowledge sharing and business partnerships.

Dangote is also listed among the speakers for the 2026 edition on the festival’s official website.

Focus on Africa’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

With Dangote taking on the Grand Patron role, the festival organisers are seeking to deepen links between established African enterprises and the continent’s emerging generation of entrepreneurs.

The initiative comes as GEF positions the Cairo gathering as a platform for entrepreneurs and investors to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore opportunities across markets.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.

The operations, conducted on September 14 and 15, also led to the death of two suspected terrorists, the arrest of two others and the recovery of ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing and other items, according to the task force.

10 Kidnap Victims Rescued in Katsina

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 rescued 10 kidnap victims following reports of abductions in Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area.

The victims comprised three males and seven females, including an infant.

According to the military, troops launched a hot pursuit after receiving the reports and engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.

The rescued persons were subsequently taken into military custody for further action.

21 Victims Rescued in Kebbi

In Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

Acting on what the military described as credible intelligence, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the suspected terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire.

The gun battle reportedly forced the attackers to withdraw, allowing the troops to rescue 21 victims.

The rescued victims were later reunited with their families.

Two Terrorists Killed in Katsina

The military also reported a separate operation in Katsina on September 15, during which troops foiled an alleged plan to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.

The troops reportedly moved towards a suspected terrorist hideout and engaged the group with superior firepower.

Two suspected terrorists were killed, including Abbah Alhassan, whom the military identified as a known terrorist kingpin. Other suspected terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.

Items recovered from the area included 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other items.

Two Suspected Terrorists Arrested

In another operation in Katsina, troops arrested two suspected terrorists around the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area.

Preliminary interrogation, according to the military, indicated that the suspects were allegedly associated with a suspected terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.

The two suspects remain in custody for further investigation.

Military Urges Public Vigilance

The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate its continued efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the activities of armed groups across its area of operation.

The task force also thanked members of the public for their support and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.