Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued nine kidnap victims who escaped while their abductors slept, recovered 56 rustled livestock, and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations across Katsina State.
Nine hostages are free — and they have their sleeping captors to thank for the opportunity.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, recorded a series of security successes across Katsina State this week, rescuing nine kidnap victims, recovering 56 rustled livestock, and arresting a terrorism suspect during separate operations, according to a statement by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, released Friday.
Daily Trust reports that the nine rescued victims — three women, four men and two children — were originally abducted on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State. Preliminary investigation revealed the victims seized their chance after their captors fell asleep, escaping the hideout before being intercepted and taken to safety by troops conducting a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State.
“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing necessary procedures before being reunited with their families,” the statement said.
In a separate operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops responding to credible intelligence disrupted an active livestock rustling attempt. When confronted, the terrorists opened fire before fleeing into the bush after being overpowered. Troops recovered four cattle and 52 sheep, currently in military custody pending handover to appropriate authorities.
A third operation in Danmusa Local Government Area yielded the arrest of a suspected terrorist during routine patrols, with items recovered from the suspect indicating “possible links to terrorist activities.” The suspect remains in military custody under investigation.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma commended the troops’ professionalism and vigilance, reiterating the task force’s commitment to sustained intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies until terrorism is “decisively defeated” across the Northwest.
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