By Abdullahi Inuwa
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised two terrorists and arrested two suspected terrorists during separate operations across Katsina and Kebbi States.
The operations, conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing, a cutlass and suspected Indian hemp, according to the Joint Task Force.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 moved into action on September 14 following reports that civilians had been abducted from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area.
The troops launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, eventually making contact with them and engaging them in a gun battle.
The military said the encounter forced the terrorists to abandon the victims, leading to the rescue of 10 kidnapped persons comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken into military custody for further processing and necessary action.
A separate operation in Kebbi State the same day also ended with the recovery of more kidnapped victims.
Following a distress call over the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area, troops acted on intelligence and launched a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa.
The troops encountered the terrorists and engaged them in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
According to the JTF, further exploitation of the area enabled the troops to rescue 21 kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.
The operation continued on September 15 in Katsina, where troops responded to intelligence indicating that terrorists were planning attacks on communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas.
Troops moved towards the identified hideout and engaged the terrorists after making contact.
The ensuing encounter resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists, including Abbah Alhassan, described by the military as a known terrorist kingpin.
Other members of the group reportedly fled into the surrounding bush as troops maintained pressure on the area.
During the subsequent search of the location, troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other items.
In another operation in Katsina on the same day, troops arrested two suspected terrorists around the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area.
Preliminary interrogation, according to the military, indicated that the suspects had links to a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.
The suspects remain in military custody as investigations continue.
The latest operations highlight the ongoing military campaign to rescue abducted civilians, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the movement and operational capabilities of armed groups across the North-West.
In a statement dated September 16, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, commended members of the public for their continued support and urged residents to remain vigilant.
He also called on communities to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency to assist ongoing efforts to improve security across the Joint Operations Area.
About The Author
