Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed two suspected terrorists, including a known terrorist kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi States.
The operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, with troops also arresting two suspected terrorists in Katsina State.
The Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Danja said troops operating in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State responded to reports that terrorists had abducted residents of Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities.
According to him, the troops pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the terrorists to retreat.
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The operation resulted in the rescue of 10 victims, including three males and seven females, among them an infant.
In Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call concerning the abduction of residents from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.
The troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of gunfire.
The terrorists reportedly withdrew from the area, after which the troops searched the surrounding locations and rescued 21 kidnapped victims. The rescued victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
Danja further disclosed that troops in Katsina acted on intelligence concerning plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas.
During an operation at a suspected terrorist hideout on September 15, the troops killed two suspected terrorists.
One of those killed was identified as Abbah Alhassan, described by the military as a known terrorist kingpin.
Items recovered during the operation included 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp.
Troops also arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area.
Preliminary interrogation, according to the military, indicated that the suspects were linked to a terrorist kingpin known as Mannori.
The suspects remain in military custody as further investigations continue.
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