By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued nine kidnap victims, recovered 56 rustled animals and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations in Katsina State on Friday. The operations, carried out across Faskari, Bakori and Danmusa Local Government Areas, targeted terrorist activities, strengthened security and protected residents, according to the task force.
Nine Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom
The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, announced the successful operations in a statement issued on Friday.
Danja said troops from Sector 2 rescued nine kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
The rescued victims included three women, four men and two children.
According to him, investigations showed that terrorists abducted the victims on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He explained that the victims escaped after their captors fell asleep. Troops intercepted and rescued them before taking them into protective custody.
The victims are currently undergoing processing before security officials reunite them with their families.
Troops Recover 56 Rustled Livestock
Meanwhile, troops also foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
Danja said the operation followed credible intelligence that alerted troops to the terrorists’ activities.
He explained that the terrorists opened fire after spotting the soldiers. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee into nearby bushes.
The fleeing terrorists abandoned 56 rustled animals comprising four cattle and 52 sheep.
According to Danja, the military has secured the recovered livestock pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.
Suspected Terrorist Arrested in Danmusa
In another operation, troops arrested a suspected terrorist in Danmusa Local Government Area.
Danja said security personnel recovered items from the suspect during the operation.
He noted that preliminary analysis of the recovered items suggested possible links to terrorist activities.
The suspect remains in military custody while investigators continue further interrogation.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA Reaffirms Commitment
The spokesperson said the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA praised the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience.
He reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations across the North-West.
He also stressed that the military would continue working closely with other security agencies and local communities until terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities are defeated.
