Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed two terrorists, including a suspected kingpin, during operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The operations, conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, also led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists in Katsina State.
The Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the developments in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Danja said troops of Sector 2 responded to reports of civilian abductions in Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on September 14.
He said the troops pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the terrorists to flee and enabling the rescue of 10 victims.
The rescued victims comprised three males and seven females, including an infant.
“The rescued victims are in troops’ custody for further action,” Danja stated.
In Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.
Acting on intelligence, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire.
“Troops engaged them in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray,” Danja said.
A subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.
The JTF recorded another operation in Katsina on September 15 after receiving intelligence about plans to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.
Troops moved to the suspected hideout and engaged the terrorists, killing two of them. One of those killed was identified as Abbah Alhassan, whom the military described as a known terrorist kingpin.
“One of the terrorists neutralised was Abbah Alhassan, a known terrorist kingpin,” Danja stated.
Other members of the group fled into the surrounding bush, while troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp from the hideout.
In another operation around the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, troops arrested two suspected terrorists.
“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were associated with a terrorist kingpin known as Mannori,” Danja said.
The suspects remain in military custody for further investigation.
The JTF said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the activities of armed groups across the North-West.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“The Joint Task Force appreciates members of the public for their continued support and urges them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” Danja said.
