North West Troops Rescue 31 Kidnapped Victims, Kill 2 Terrorists In Katsina, Kebbi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised two terrorists, including a notorious kingpin, and arrested two suspected terrorists in separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi States.

Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday September 16, 2026 in Gusau the Zamfara State capital.

Danja said the operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, following credible intelligence and distress calls from affected communities.

According to him, on September 14, in Katsina State, troops of Sector 2, following reports of abduction of civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area, swiftly mobilised to intercept the terrorists.

He said troops launched a hot pursuit and engaged the terrorists in a gun duel, leading to the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims, comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.

The rescued victims, he said, are in troops’ custody for further action.

Similarly, on September 14, in Kebbi State, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call over abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray. Subsequent exploitation led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were successfully reunited with their families,” the statement said.

Danja further disclosed that on September 15, in Katsina State, troops of Sector 2, acting on intelligence regarding plans by terrorists to attack communities within Matazu and Kankara LGAs, mobilised towards the identified hideout.

He said troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, neutralising two terrorists, including Abbah Alhassan, a known terrorist kingpin.

He added that other terrorists fled into the surrounding bush, while exploitation of the area led to recovery of 10 rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, one cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other items.

Also, on September 15, troops arrested two suspected terrorists in Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa LGA, Katsina State.

“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were associated with a terrorist kingpin known as Mannori. The suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation,” Danja stated.

He said the successes underscored sustained efforts of Operation Fansan Yamma to rescue victims, disrupt terrorist networks and deny terrorists freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.

The Joint Task Force appreciated members of the public for their continued support and urged them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.