Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnap victims, recovered dozens of rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist during a series of coordinated operations across Katsina State.
The successful operations, carried out through intelligence-led missions in different parts of the State, form part of the military’s ongoing offensive against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes ravaging Nigeria’s North-West.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 conducting a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area rescued nine kidnapped victims made up of three women, four men and two children.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims told troops they seized an opportunity to escape after their abductors fell asleep inside the terrorists’ hideout before they were encountered and safely rescued by soldiers.
The military said the rescued victims are currently receiving the necessary care and documentation before being reunited with their families.
In another operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops acted on credible intelligence after receiving reports of an attempted livestock rustling attack.
The statement said the suspected terrorists opened fire on the advancing troops but were forced to retreat after being overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the soldiers.
The fleeing attackers abandoned 56 rustled animals, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, all of which were recovered by the troops.
The recovered livestock remain in military custody pending verification and handover to the appropriate local authorities.
The military also announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.
According to the statement, preliminary examination of items recovered from the suspect indicated possible links to terrorist activities.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.
Commending the troops for the successful operations, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, praised their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal groups operating across the region.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations in partnership with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality are decisively eliminated from the North-West.
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