Army Foils Terrorist Attack, Rescues 9 Hostages, Recovers 56 Rustled Livestock in Katsina
The Nigerian Army has recorded a series of operational successes in Katsina State, rescuing nine kidnapped victims, foiling a planned terrorist attack, recovering dozens of rustled livestock and arresting a suspected terrorist during coordinated operations across the state.
The operations, conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army as part of the ongoing clearance campaign against terrorism and banditry in the North-West, targeted criminal elements operating in several local government areas of Katsina State.
In one of the operations carried out on 14 July 2026, troops acting on credible intelligence about a planned attack by a notorious terrorist leader in the Bakori general area laid an ambush for the suspected terrorists.
According to the Army, the terrorists opened fire on the troops upon sighting them but were overwhelmed by superior firepower and forced to flee into nearby bushes, abandoning their loot.
A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of 56 rustled livestock, comprising 52 sheep and four cows, which were believed to have been stolen during previous attacks.
In a separate operation on 15 July, troops on a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims who escaped from a terrorist enclave.
Read Also:
The rescued victims—four men, three women and two toddlers—were abducted on 9 July 2026 from Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State by armed terrorists.
Military authorities said the victims are receiving medical attention and other necessary care, while efforts are underway to reunite them with their families through the appropriate authorities.
In another significant breakthrough, the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Maikarfi Ibrahim, personally apprehended a suspected terrorist during an operational tour of Danmusa Local Government Area.
A preliminary search of the suspect’s mobile phone reportedly uncovered video footage showing him wielding an AK-47 rifle. The suspect allegedly attempted to escape but was swiftly subdued and taken into custody.
Items recovered from the suspect include a motorcycle, multiple mobile phones, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card and an undisclosed sum of cash.
The Army said the suspect is currently undergoing further investigation to determine his involvement in terrorist activities and identify other members of the criminal network.
The latest operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West, while enhancing security, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring normalcy in areas affected by criminal violence.
By PRNigeria
