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 in separate intelligence-led operations across Katsina State.
The successful operations, conducted by troops of Sector 2, form part of the ongoing offensive against terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the North West.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Aliyu Danja, the troops rescued nine kidnap victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
The rescued victims, comprising three women, four men and two children, were 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 military said the victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing necessary procedures before being reunited with their families.
In a separate operation, troops acting on credible intelligence swiftly responded to reports of terrorists attempting to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
The statement said the terrorists opened fire on the advancing troops but were overwhelmed by superior military firepower and fled into nearby bushes, abandoning the stolen animals.
Troops recovered 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep.
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The animals are currently in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate local authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.
Meanwhile, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist during routine security operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect during preliminary exploitation were said to indicate possible links to terrorist activities.
The suspect remains 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 terrorist groups and criminal elements across the theatre.
He reiterated the commitment of the Joint Task Force to maintaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and members of the public until terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality are decisively eliminated from the North West.
