Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and neutralised two terrorists, including a suspected kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The operations, conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, also resulted in the arrest of two suspected terrorists in Katsina State and the recovery of ammunition and other items.
According to the Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 responded to reports of abductions from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on September 14.
The troops launched a hot pursuit and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of 10 victims comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.
On the same day, troops in Kebbi State responded to a distress call following the abduction of residents of Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area. Acting on intelligence, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire.
The terrorists reportedly withdrew in disarray, while subsequent exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, on September 15, troops in Katsina received intelligence about plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas. The troops mobilised to the suspected hideout and engaged the terrorists, killing two of them.
The military identified one of those killed as Abbah Alhassan, described by the JTF as a known terrorist kingpin. Other members of the group reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.
Recovered items included 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp.
In a separate operation in the Yantumaki area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, troops also arrested two suspected terrorists. Preliminary interrogation, according to the military, indicated that the suspects were associated with a suspected terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.
The JTF said the operations were part of its continued efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the activities of armed groups across the North-West.
The task force urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
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