Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised two terrorists and arrested two suspected terrorists during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The task force’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this on Wednesday, saying the operations were conducted between September 14 and 15, 2026, following intelligence reports and distress calls from affected communities.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the North-West, has intensified offensive operations against armed groups in recent months. The military has repeatedly said the operation is aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting communities and restoring security in the region.
According to the statement, troops in Katsina State rescued 10 abducted victims, including an infant, after intercepting terrorists who had kidnapped residents of Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area. In a separate operation in Kebbi State, troops responded to the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area, engaged the terrorists in a firefight and rescued 21 victims, who were subsequently reunited with their families.
Danja said troops also acted on intelligence regarding planned attacks on communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State, killing two terrorists, including a suspected kingpin identified as Abbah Alhassan.
Troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing, a cutlass and other items during the operation.
He added that two suspected terrorists linked to a notorious kingpin known as Mannori were arrested in the Yantumaki area of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State and are currently in custody for further investigation.
The task force urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies.
