By Lazarus Zakaa
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have recorded significant operational successes in Katsina State, rescuing nine kidnapped victims, recovering 56 rustled livestock, and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-driven operations conducted across the theatre.
According to a statement issued by the media information officer, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said, troops of Sector 2 on fighting patrol rescued nine kidnapped victims, comprising three women, four men, and two children, in Faskari Local Government Area. According to Danja, investigation revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on 9 July 2026 along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He said the victims disclosed that they escaped from the terrorists’ enclave after their captors fell asleep, before being intercepted and rescued by the troops.
The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families. “In another operation, based on credible intelligence, troops responded swiftly to terrorists attempting to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area. On sighting the troops, the terrorists opened fire but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops and fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and fifty-two sheep. The recovered livestock are in troops’ custody, pending handover to local authorities.”
“Similarly, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operational activities in Danmusa Local Government Area. Preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect revealed materials suspected of having links with terrorist activities.”
The statement said the suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation. The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the theatre.
“He reaffirmed the resolve of the Joint Task Force to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens, until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated in the North West.
