Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims, Recover 56 Rustled Livestock, Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Katsina
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified the fight against terrorism and banditry in Katsina State, rescuing nine kidnapped victims, recovering 56 rustled livestock, and arresting a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
The successful operations, conducted in Faskari, Bakori and Danmusa Local Government Areas, underscore the military’s sustained offensive against criminal elements operating in the North-West.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 rescued nine kidnap victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
The rescued victims comprised three women, four men and two children.
Preliminary investigations revealed that they had been abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims reportedly escaped from their captors after the terrorists fell asleep and were intercepted by troops while making their way to safety.
They are currently in military custody undergoing profiling before being reunited with their families.
In a separate operation, troops acting on credible intelligence responded to reports of terrorists attempting to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
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The troops encountered the armed suspects, who opened fire on sighting the military. However, the terrorists were overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower and fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning the stolen animals.
The operation led to the recovery of 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep.
Military authorities said the recovered animals remain in the custody of the troops pending identification and handover to their rightful owners through the appropriate local authorities.
Meanwhile, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operational activities in Danmusa Local Government Area.
According to the military, preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect indicated possible links to terrorist activities.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.
Reacting to the successes, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal groups across the theatre.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to intensify intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated across the North-West.
The latest operations add to a series of recent successes recorded by Operation FANSAN YAMMA as security forces continue to sustain pressure on terrorist hideouts and criminal networks across the region.
