Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate security operations across Katsina State.
The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, noting that the operations were carried out based on credible intelligence gathered by security agencies.
According to Danja, troops attached to Sector 2 successfully rescued the nine victims during a fighting patrol conducted in Faskari Local Government Area.
The rescued victims comprise three women, four men and two children.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been abducted by suspected terrorists on July 9, 2026, while travelling along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Lt. Col. Danja explained that the victims managed to escape from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by the advancing troops.
“Troops of Sector 2 on fighting patrol rescued nine kidnapped victims, comprising three women, four men, and two children, in Faskari Local Government Area,” he said.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on 9 July 2026 along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“The victims disclosed that they escaped from the terrorists’ enclave after their captors fell asleep before being intercepted and rescued by the troops.”
He added that the rescued individuals are currently receiving necessary care and documentation before being reunited with their families.
In another operation, troops responded swiftly to intelligence indicating that terrorists were attempting to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
According to the military, the criminals opened fire upon sighting security personnel but were forced to retreat after troops responded with overwhelming firepower.
The fleeing suspects abandoned 56 rustled animals comprising four cattle and 52 sheep.
“Based on credible intelligence, troops responded swiftly to terrorists attempting to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
“On sighting the troops, the terrorists opened fire but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops and fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and fifty-two sheep,” Danja stated.
The recovered livestock have been secured by the military and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities after necessary procedures are completed.
The military also announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist during a separate operation in Danmusa Local Government Area.
According to Danja, preliminary analysis of items recovered from the suspect indicates possible links to terrorist activities in the region.
He said the suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the criminal network.
The spokesperson noted that the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and vigilance during the operations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustain intelligence-driven operations in partnership with other security agencies and local communities until terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities are completely eliminated from the North-West.
