Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims, Recover 56 Rustled Livestock in Katsina

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 operations, conducted across different parts of the state, underscore the military's sustained offensive against terrorism and banditry in the North West.

The Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the developments in a statement.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, while on a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area, rescued nine kidnapped victims comprising three women, four men and two children.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The victims told the troops that they escaped from the terrorists' hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by the soldiers. They are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families.

In a separate operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops acting on credible intelligence responded to an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock.

The terrorists reportedly opened fire on the troops upon sighting them but were forced to flee into the surrounding bush after being overwhelmed by the troops' superior firepower.

The troops recovered 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep. The animals are being kept in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate local authorities.

In another operation in Danmusa Local Government Area, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operational activities.

Military authorities said preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect indicated possible links to terrorist activities. The suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.

Commending the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, reaffirmed the military's commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens.

He assured that the Joint Task Force would continue to intensify efforts until terrorism and other criminal activities are decisively defeated across the North West.