Troops Neutralise 8 Terrorists, Rescue 3 Victims, Recover Arms In Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised eight suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in coordinated operations in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara States.

The operations also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, three locally fabricated guns, three motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday morning.

According to him, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, troops of Sector 1 received a distress call from farmers at Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State over terrorist activities in the area.

He said the troops promptly mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, neutralising two of them, while others fled.

“In the course of the operation, troops rescued Mr Suleiman Umar, 42, whom the terrorists had kidnapped. Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle,” he said.

In another operation on the same day, Sinivie said troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), foiled a terrorist ambush along Ungwan Iya in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, neutralising six suspected terrorists.

He said the troops recovered three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms during the operation.

According to him, the incident occurred when troops responded to a distress call reporting an attack by suspected terrorists at Ungwan Mallami village, where the terrorists fled with two kidnapped victims.

“While trailing the terrorists, the troops came under attack but responded swiftly with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of the terrorists, while others fled in disarray,” he said.

Similarly, troops of Sector 2 rescued two kidnapped victims in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

He identified the victims as Mr Shehu Chete, 40, and Mr Bugu Bedi, 25, both indigenes of Kebbi State.

“The troops, while conducting surveillance operations in the general area, observed the activities of suspected terrorists and swiftly responded with a fighting patrol. On sighting the troops, the terrorists fled, abandoning the two victims.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to Bagega Clinic for medical attention before being moved to the military base for further assessment and subsequent reunion with their families,” he said.

Sinivie said troops were currently dominating the general areas through sustained patrols and search operations aimed at apprehending fleeing terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims and preventing further attacks.

He added that the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.