Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnap victims and killed two suspected terrorists during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.

The military also arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing and other items during operations conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026.

According to a statement issued on September 16 by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops in Katsina rescued 10 victims, comprising three males and seven females, following reports of abductions in Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area.

The troops reportedly launched a hot pursuit and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the victims, including an infant. The rescued persons were taken into military custody for further action.

In Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call over 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.

The terrorists subsequently withdrew, allowing the troops to rescue 21 victims, who were later reunited with their families.

The task force also reported a separate operation in Katsina on September 15, during which troops foiled an alleged plan to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.

The troops engaged the terrorists at their hideout, killing two of them, including Abbah Alhassan, whom the military identified as a known terrorist kingpin. Other members of the group reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.

Recovered items included 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp.

In another operation around Yantumaki in Dan Musa Local Government Area, troops arrested two suspected terrorists. The military said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were associated with a suspected terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.

The suspects remain in custody for further investigation.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the operations were part of its continued efforts to rescue kidnap victims, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the activities of armed groups within its area of operations.

The task force also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.