Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock, and arrested a suspected terrorist in separate operations in Katsina State.
The military said the operations, conducted on intelligence, targeted bandit hideouts across the theatre and recorded significant gains between July 9 and July 17, 2026.
In Faskari Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2 on a fighting patrol rescued nine victims — three women, four men, and two children. Preliminary investigation revealed the victims were abducted on July 9, 2026 along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State.
According to the victims, they escaped when their captors fell asleep and were later intercepted by troops. The rescued persons are in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families.
In a separate operation in Bakori LGA, troops responded to a distress report of an attempted livestock rustling. The terrorists opened fire on sighting the troops but fled into the bush after being overwhelmed. They abandoned 56 livestock comprising 4 cattle and 52 sheep. The animals are in military custody pending handover to local authorities.
Also, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa LGA. Items recovered from the suspect are being analyzed and are suspected to have links with terrorist activities. The suspect remains in custody for further investigation.
The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience. He reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies until terrorism and banditry are defeated in the North West.
