Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised two terrorists and arrested two suspected terrorists during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, as part of efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and rescue victims of abduction across the Joint Operations Area.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 responded to reports of the abduction of civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area on September 14.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Wednesday, says the troops swiftly mobilised and launched a hot pursuit of the terrorists, resulting in a gun battle.
The encounter forced the terrorists to flee, while troops rescued 10 kidnapped victims comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.
The rescued victims were taken into military custody for further action.
On the same day in Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire.
The terrorists were forced to withdraw in disarray, while subsequent exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims.
The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
In another operation in Katsina on September 15, troops acted on credible intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas.
The troops mobilised towards an identified hideout and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower.
The encounter resulted in the death of two terrorists, including Abbah Alhassan, described by the military as a known terrorist kingpin.
Other members of the group fled into the surrounding bush during the operation.
Troops subsequently searched the area and recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other items.
Also on September 15, troops arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State.
Preliminary interrogation, according to the military, indicated that the suspects were associated with a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.
The suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation.
Commenting on the operations, the Joint Task Force said the successes demonstrated its continued efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the freedom of action of terrorists across the North-West.
“The successes recorded underscore the continued efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to rescue victims, disrupt terrorist networks, and deny terrorists freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement said.
The task force commended members of the public for their continued support and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
