Troops rescue nine kidnap victims in Katsina, arrest suspected terrorist, recover 56 rustled livestock

By Kingsley Omonobi

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist in separate intelligence-led operations across Katsina State.

The Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the operations were part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities in the North-West.

According to him, troops of Sector 2, while on a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area, rescued nine kidnapped victims comprising three women, four men and two children.

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.

The victims told the troops that they escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by security personnel.

Danja said the victims are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families.

In a separate operation based on credible intelligence, troops responded to an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.

He said the terrorists opened fire on sighting the troops but were forced to flee into the surrounding bush after being overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.

The troops recovered 56 rustled animals, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, which are currently in military custody pending handover to the appropriate authorities.

Danja also disclosed that troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.

According to him, preliminary examination of items recovered from the suspect indicated possible links to terrorist activities.

The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation.

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the theatre.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to continue intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated in the North-West.

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