Troops rescue 15 men, 12 women from terrorists in Katsina

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 27 people abducted by terrorists in Katsina State following a gun battle with the kidnappers in Sabuwa Local Government Area.

The victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females, were kidnapped from Gamji community before the military launched a rescue operation following a distress call on October 16, 2026.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to Danja, the troops tracked the fleeing terrorists along the Gangare-Kamba axis and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The superior firepower of the soldiers forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and escape.

“On contact, troops engaged with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their victims and flee in disarray,” he said.

Danja said the troops subsequently searched the area and found all 27 victims unharmed.

He added that the rescued individuals were profiled before being handed over to community leaders to facilitate their reunion with their families.

In another operation carried out on the same day, troops on a fighting patrol near Kurba village in Kankara Local Government Area encountered suspected terrorists travelling on three motorcycles.

The media officer said the armed men fled after spotting the advancing soldiers, leaving one of their motorcycles behind.

He said the operations reflected the task force’s continued offensive against terrorist groups and its efforts to restrict their movements while safeguarding vulnerable communities within its area of responsibility.

“The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, commends troops for their gallantry and swift response,” the statement added.

The theatre commander also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in Katsina, Zamfara and neighbouring states.

The operations form part of ongoing military efforts to tackle terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats confronting communities across Nigeria’s North-West.