Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnap victims and neutralised two terrorists in Katsina and Kebbi states.

The troops also arrested two suspected terrorists in separate operations in the states.

The Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the developments in a statement issued on September 16, 2026.

According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, also led to the recovery of ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing, and other items.

In Katsina, troops of Sector 2 rescued 10 victims, including three males and seven females, after responding to reports of abductions from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area on September 14.

The troops launched a hot pursuit and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of the victims, including an infant.

The rescued victims were taken into military custody for further action.

On the same day, troops in Kebbi State responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

The statement added that, 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, forcing them to withdraw.

The subsequent operation in the area led to the rescue of 21 victims, who were successfully reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, on September 15, troops in Katsina State foiled an alleged plan by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.

The troops, acting on credible intelligence, mobilised towards the terrorists’ hideout and engaged them with superior firepower, killing two terrorists, including Abbah Alhassan, identified by the military as a known terrorist kingpin.

Other terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.

Items recovered from the area included 10 rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, one cutlass, camouflage clothing, and Indian hemp, among others.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State.

Preliminary interrogation, according to the military, revealed that the suspects were associated with a suspected terrorist kingpin known as Mannori.

The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.

The task force said the operations underscored its continued efforts to rescue kidnap victims, disrupt terrorist networks, and deny terrorists freedom of action across its joint operations area.

It appreciated members of the public for their support and urged them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency. (Channels)