Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, successfully rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised two terrorists in the early hours of Friday.
The operation, which took place in Dikawa Village within the Matazu Local Government Area, was launched following credible intelligence regarding terrorist activities and the presence of captives in the area. Upon arrival, the joint forces engaged the criminals in a “fierce and well-coordinated firefight,” according to military officials.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, confirmed the success of the mission in a statement released on May 8, 2026. He noted that the intensity of the assault “overwhelmed the terrorists and forced them to abandon their captives while fleeing in disarray.”
Among the 32 rescued individuals are nine men, 10 women, and 13 children. In addition to the successful rescue, the military reported that all identified “life-support structures and terrorist hideouts” within the enclave were destroyed to prevent the criminals from re-establishing an operational base in the region.
The recovery efforts yielded a significant cache of weaponry and supplies, including two AK-47 rifles, 15 loaded magazines, a fabricated hand grenade, and 10 motorcycles. Troops also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the exploitation of the site.
Reflecting on the mission’s impact, Lieutenant Colonel Danja stated that the success is “a testament to the commitment, professionalism, and resilience of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism.”
The rescued victims have been evacuated to a secure location where they are currently receiving medical attention and professional care.
The Theatre Command has expressed its gratitude to the public for their cooperation and urged citizens to continue sharing timely information to assist in further enhancing security operations across the North West.
