Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock, and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations in Katsina State.
The military disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 rescued the nine victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
The victims, comprising three women, four men and two children, were reportedly abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by the troops.
“The victims disclosed that they escaped from the terrorists’ enclave after their captors fell asleep, before being intercepted and rescued by the troops,” the statement said.
It added that the rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing necessary procedures before being reunited with their families.
In a separate operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops responded to credible intelligence on terrorists attempting to rustle livestock.
The terrorists reportedly opened fire on sighting the troops but were forced to flee into the surrounding bush after being overwhelmed by the soldiers’ superior firepower.
The troops recovered 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, which have been taken into military custody pending their handover to the appropriate local authorities.
The statement further disclosed that troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.
According to the military, preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect revealed materials believed to be linked to terrorist activities.
“The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation,” the statement added.
Commending the troops, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, praised their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in maintaining pressure on criminal elements across the North-West.
“He reaffirmed the resolve of the Joint Task Force to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens, until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated in the North West,” the statement said.
