Soldiers Free 14 Kidnap Vctims in Katsina, Nab Terrorist Logistics Couriers

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 14 kidnapped victims,12 males and two females during a routine patrol in Katsina State and arrested three suspected terrorist logistics couriers in a separate operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, said on Saturday that the victims were abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages in Faskari Local Government Area.

On 24 September 2026, Sector 2 troops intercepted three suspects travelling on a motorcycle in Faskari LGA.

Preliminary interrogation indicated they were conveying ₦2.7 million, believed to be ransom money, along with three mobile phones for transfer to a terrorist kingpin through local intermediaries.

The suspects and recovered items are in military custody for further investigation.The following day, 25 September, troops acting on credible intelligence about terrorist movements in the same area set up an ambush, engaged the militants and forced them to flee.

A search of the scene recovered one AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.Also on 25 September, troops on routine patrol intercepted and rescued the 14 victims.

Investigations showed they had been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages and were abandoned by their captors after the terrorists sighted the advancing soldiers.

The rescued persons were handed over to Faskari Local Government authorities for further action and reunification with their families.

Danja said the operations highlight Operation Fansan Yamma’s commitment to protecting lives and property, freeing those held captive and denying terrorists freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.

The Theatre Command praised the troops for their vigilance and rapid response, and urged the public to keep providing timely, credible information on suspicious movements and activities in their communities.