By Zakaa Lazarus
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have sustained operational pressure against terrorists in Katsina State, rescuing six kidnapped victims and recovering ₦800,000 taken from them in Dandume Local Government Area.
Troops also engaged terrorists in a separate operation in Kankara Local Government Area.
The Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, August 23, 2026.
He said troops of Sector 2, while conducting a fighting patrol on August 22, 2026, responded swiftly to a distress call that terrorists had intercepted a vehicle and kidnapped six occupants along the Dandume–Sheme Road.
“The troops advanced to the area and made contact with the terrorists, overwhelming them with superior firepower and forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes,” the statement read.
Following exploitation of the area, all six kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed. Troops also recovered the ₦800,000 earlier taken from the victims by the terrorists.
The money and the vehicle were subsequently handed over to the victims in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer, Dandume.
In a separate operation on August 21, 2026, troops of Sector 2 encountered terrorists along the Maraban Kankara axis in Kankara LGA.
The troops swiftly engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee in disarray into the surrounding bushes. During a follow-up pursuit and exploitation of the area, one motorcycle was recovered.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the Joint Task Force remains resolute in sustaining aggressive patrols and offensive operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect lives and property.
He added that the Theatre appreciates the continued support of members of the public and urged communities to provide timely and credible information to security forces in support of ongoing operations.
