Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims following an encounter with terrorists in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after troops of Sector 2 received credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists reportedly escorting kidnapped victims around Madaci Forest in Sabuwa LGA.
Acting on the information, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the terrorists.
The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.
Following an immediate search and exploitation of the area, the troops successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims comprising six males and eight females.
Preliminary information obtained from the rescued victims indicated that they had been abducted from different locations within the Dandume, Bakori and Funtua areas of Katsina State.
The victims were subsequently handed over to the appropriate local authorities for necessary action and reunification with their families.
The Theatre Command described the operation as another demonstration of the responsiveness and determination of troops to protect civilians and disrupt terrorist activities across the North-West.
The successful rescue also highlights the importance of timely intelligence in enabling security forces to respond rapidly to the movement of criminal elements and their captives.
The military said troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating within the Joint Operations Area while intensifying efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities.
“Theatre Command reassures the public that troops will continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and intensify operations to safeguard communities across the North-West,” the statement said.
The command also urged residents to continue supporting ongoing security operations by providing credible and timely information on the activities and movements of terrorists.
It said such information remained critical to preventing attacks, rescuing victims and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
The rescue comes amid sustained military operations against terrorists and kidnappers across the North-West, where several communities continue to face threats from armed groups.
The latest operation further underscores the military’s ongoing efforts to rescue kidnapped victims and restore security to affected communities.
The Joint Task Force North-West said it would continue to work with relevant authorities and local communities to enhance security and protect lives and property across the region.
