Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered 94 rustled livestock and disrupted terrorist operations during separate operations in Kaduna and Kano states.
The operations, conducted on August 25 and 26, 2026, highlight the continued military pressure on terrorist and criminal groups operating across the North-West.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Lt. Aliyu Danja, on Thursday night.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 conducting a clearance operation in Kachia Local Government Area on August 25 encountered terrorists who attempted to ambush the advancing soldiers.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw into the surrounding terrain.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered a motorcycle abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
In a separate incident in Kaduna, troops responded to a distress call concerning the abduction of three civilians and the rustling of livestock around Hayin Babangida in Igabi Local Government Area.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area, tracked the terrorists and engaged them.
The military response resulted in the rescue of two female victims, who were subsequently reunited with their families.
However, the operation was marred by the death of a third victim, a male civilian, who sustained a gunshot wound allegedly inflicted by the terrorists.
He reportedly died while being evacuated for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, troops also thwarted a livestock-rustling operation in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State.
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The troops responded to reports that terrorists had invaded a community and rustled livestock before fleeing the area.
Sector 1 troops pursued the criminals and made contact with them as they attempted to escape.
Unable to withstand the troops’ firepower, the terrorists fled in disarray and abandoned the livestock.
A subsequent exploitation operation conducted on August 26 led to the recoveryrecovery of additional animals, bringing the total number of recovered livestock to 94—comprising 57 cows and 37 sheep.
The recovered animals were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners in the presence of representatives of security agencies and local government authorities.
The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate its determination to protect lives, livelihoods and vulnerable communities while denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid responses to threats against communities and major economic activities.
The Theatre Command commended members of the public for their continued cooperation and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information on suspicious movements and activities.
It stressed that community intelligence remains critical to the ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist networks, prevent kidnappings and livestock rustling, and restore lasting peace and security across the North-West.