Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised two suspected terrorists, and arrested two others during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The operations were carried out on September 14 and 15, 2026, according to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.
Danja said the operations were part of ongoing efforts by the troops to rescue abducted persons, disrupt terrorist networks, and restrict the activities of terrorists across the Joint Operations Area.
10 Kidnap Victims Rescued in Katsina
He said troops of Sector 2 in Katsina State responded to reports of the abduction of civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area on September 14.
According to him, the troops pursued the terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing them to flee.
The operation resulted in the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims, comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.
Danja said the rescued victims were taken into military custody for further action.
21 Victims Rescued in Kebbi
In a separate operation in Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.
Acting on intelligence, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a gun battle.
The terrorists were reportedly forced to withdraw, after which the troops conducted further exploitation of the area.
“Subsequent exploitation led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were successfully reunited with their families,” Danja said.
Two Terrorists Neutralised, Suspects Arrested
Meanwhile, troops in Katsina on September 15 acted on intelligence regarding plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.
Danja said the troops moved towards the suspected hideout and engaged the terrorists, neutralising two of them, including a suspected kingpin identified as Abbah Alhassan.
Other terrorists reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush.
In another operation on the same day, troops of Sector 2 arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State.
Danja said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were allegedly associated with a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.
He added that the suspects remained in custody for further investigation.
The Joint Task Force commended members of the public for their support and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
