By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist in separate operations across Katsina State.
The military disclosed on Friday that the operations were carried out based on credible intelligence as part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the North West.
According to the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 rescued the nine victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
He said the rescued victims comprised three women, four men and two children who were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Preliminary findings showed that the victims escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by the troops.
“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families,” Danja said.
In a separate operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops responded to intelligence that terrorists were rustling livestock.
According to the military, the terrorists opened fire on sighting the troops but retreated into the surrounding bush after being overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower.
The operation led to the recovery of 56 rustled livestock comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, which are being held pending handover to the appropriate local authorities.
Similarly, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operational activities in Danmusa Local Government Area.
Danja said preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect revealed materials believed to be linked to terrorist activities, adding that the suspect remains in military custody while investigations continue.
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience, reaffirming the task force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism and other criminal activities are defeated across the North West.