Troops from the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued 31 kidnap victims and killed two terrorists, including a suspected leader, in separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
On September 14 and 15, 2026, the troops also arrested two alleged terrorists in Katsina State.
Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of JTF North-West, shared this news in a statement on Wednesday.
Danja explained that troops from Sector 2 were sent to Funtua Local Government Area in Katsina State on September 14 after hearing that terrorists had taken civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities.
According to him, the troops quickly chased the attackers and fought them, forcing them to run away.
This operation led to the rescue of 10 victims, which included three men and seven women, along with an infant.
“The rescued victims are in troops’ custody for further action,” Danja said.
On the same day, troops in Kebbi State responded to a distress call about civilians being kidnapped from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.
Acting on solid intelligence, they carried out a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they encountered the terrorists.
“Troops engaged them in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray,” he stated.
Danja noted that searching the area afterward led to the rescue of 21 kidnap victims, who were later reunited with their families.
The JTF spokesperson also mentioned another success in Katsina State on September 15 after troops received intelligence about plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.
They moved to the suspected hideout and confronted the terrorists with better firepower, killing two of them.
“One of the terrorists neutralised was Abbah Alhassan, a known terrorist kingpin,” Danja said.
He added that other members of the group ran into the nearby bush during the clash.
Troops recovered various items from the terrorists’ hideout, including 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing, and Indian hemp, among others.
Danja also reported that troops arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki area of Dan Musa Local Government Area on September 15.
“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were linked to a terrorist kingpin known as Mannori,” he said.
He mentioned that the suspects are in military custody and will face further investigation.
The JTF stated that these operations show its ongoing efforts to rescue victims, disrupt terrorist networks, and limit the freedom of action for armed groups in the North-West.
It urged residents to stay alert and quickly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
“The Joint Task Force appreciates members of the public for their continued support and urges them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” Danja said.
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