Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have freed nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and apprehended a suspected terrorist during separate security operations in Katsina State.
The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, revealed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the operations were conducted in different parts of the state following credible intelligence.
According to him, troops of Sector 2 rescued the nine victims—three women, four men and two children—while on a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
He explained that preliminary findings showed the victims were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He said, “Troops of Sector 2 on fighting patrol rescued nine kidnapped victims, comprising three women, four men, and two children, in Faskari Local Government Area.”
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on 9 July 2026 along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“The victims disclosed that they escaped from the terrorists’ enclave after their captors fell asleep, before being intercepted and rescued by the troops. The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families.”
He further stated that troops successfully thwarted an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
He stated, “Based on credible intelligence, troops responded swiftly to terrorists attempting to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
“On sighting the troops, the terrorists opened fire but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops and fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and fifty-two sheep.”
Danja added that the recovered livestock remained in military custody pending their handover to the relevant authorities.
He also disclosed that troops apprehended a suspected terrorist during another operation in Danmusa Local Government Area.
According to him, preliminary examination of items recovered from the suspect suggested possible connections to terrorist activities, adding that the suspect remained in military custody for further investigation.
The spokesperson said the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA praised the troops for their professionalism, alertness and resilience, while reaffirming the Joint Task Force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations alongside other security agencies and local residents until terrorism and other criminal activities are eliminated across the North-West.
