PICTORIAL: Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Rescue Kidnap Victim In North-West Operations

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across the North-West zone, neutralising two suspected terrorists, rescuing a kidnap victim, arresting eight suspected collaborators, and recovering 110 rustled cattle in separate operations conducted between June 27 and 28, 2026.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out across Kaduna and Zamfara States as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security in the region.

The statement said troops of Sector 1, working alongside members of the Vigilante Group, encountered terrorists transporting kidnap victims on motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas of Kaduna State on June 27.

Following what the military described as a fierce exchange of gunfire, the terrorists reportedly abandoned two motorcycles and fled into nearby bushes.

The troops rescued one kidnap victim alive but recovered the body of another victim who had allegedly been killed by the fleeing terrorists.

Later that same day, troops responded to reports of a terrorist attack on Dariya Village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where the attackers had reportedly killed one civilian and injured three others before security personnel arrived.

The military said the fleeing terrorists were intercepted while escaping on motorcycles, leading to another gun battle in which two of the suspects were neutralised.

Items recovered during the operation included a motorcycle, ammunition, charms and other personal effects.

In a separate intelligence-led operation in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 arrested two suspects alleged to have provided medical support to terrorist groups operating in the area.

Similarly, troops on fighting patrol around Pole#Wire Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State arrested six individuals found under suspicious circumstances shortly after an encounter with fleeing terrorists.

The military said the suspects are currently undergoing investigation.

On June 28, troops, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group, also foiled a cattle rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to the statement, security personnel pursued suspected cattle rustlers and laid a snap ambush along their suspected escape route at Ungwan Gora bush.

The pressure mounted by the troops forced the rustlers to abandon the stolen livestock and flee, resulting in the recovery of all 110 rustled cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owners.

Reaffirming its commitment to tackling insecurity in the region, the Joint Task Force said it would sustain offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists and criminal groups freedom of movement.

“The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist and criminal groups freedom of action while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across the North West,” the statement said.

The military also appealed to residents to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to relevant agencies.