Troops Rescue 32 Kidnap Victims, Neutralise 2 Terrorists In Major Operation In Katsina

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in conjunction with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have successfully rescued 32 kidnap victims and neutralised two terrorists during a major offensive operation in Katsina State.

The rescue operation took place in the early hours of Friday, May 8, 2026, at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area of the State, following credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists harbouring kidnap victims within the general area.

A statement signed the Media Information Officer,

Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lit. Col. Aliyu Danja, said acting on the intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised and advanced to the location where they made contact with the terrorists.

“The troops subsequently engaged the criminals in a fierce and well-coordinated firefight that overwhelmed the terrorists and forced them to abandon their captives while fleeing in disarray.

“During the encounter, troops neutralised 2 terrorists, while exploitation of the area led to the successful rescue of 32 kidnap victims comprising 9 men, 10 women, and 13 children. Troops also destroyed all identified life-support structures and terrorist hideouts within the enclave to deny the criminals further operational base within the area,” Lt. Col. Danja stated.

He listed other items recovered during the operation to include two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun butt, one revolver chamber, 8 PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles, amongst other items.

He said, additionally, troops recovered 26 rustled livestock during the operation, adding that rhe rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety and were receiving the necessary medical attention and care.

“The continued operational successes recorded by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain a testament to the commitment, professionalism, and resilience of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities within the North West region.

“The Theatre Command appreciates the continuous support and cooperation of patriotic citizens and urges the public to sustain timely and credible information sharing with security agencies to further enhance ongoing operations across the theatre,” the spokesman added.