Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnap victims and neutralised two terrorists during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The troops also arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing and other items during the operations.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on September 16, 2026.
According to the statement, the operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 rescued 10 kidnap victims, comprising three males and seven females, after responding to reports of abductions in Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area on September 14.
The troops launched a hot pursuit and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of the victims, including an infant.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken into military custody for further action.
Also on September 14, troops operating in Kebbi State responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians in Fafala Village, Kangiwa Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw.
The ensuing operation led to the rescue of 21 victims, who were subsequently reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, on September 15, troops in Katsina State foiled an alleged plan by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops mobilised to the terrorists’ hideout and engaged them with superior firepower, killing two terrorists, including Abbah Alhassan, whom the military identified as a known terrorist kingpin.
Other 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 others.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State.
According to the military, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were associated with a suspected terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.
The suspects remain in custody for further investigation.
The task force said the operations underscored its continued efforts to rescue kidnap victims, disrupt terrorist networks and deny terrorists freedom of action across its joint operations area.
It commended members of the public for their support and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
