Soldiers rescue nine kidnap victims, recover 56 rustled animals in Katsina

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnap victims, recovered 56 rustled animals and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate operations in Katsina State.

The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the operations were carried out across different parts of the state based on credible intelligence.

According to him, troops of Sector 2 rescued the nine victims—three women, four men and two children—during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that 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 added that troops also foiled 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 said the recovered animals were in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.

He also disclosed that troops arrested a suspected terrorist during a separate operation in Danmusa Local Government Area.

According to him, preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect indicated possible links to terrorist activities, adding that the suspect remained in military custody for further investigation.

The spokesperson said the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience, reaffirming the Joint Task Force’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies and residents until terrorism and other criminal activities are defeated in the North-West.