Troops rescue 31 kidnap victims, neutralise terrorist kingpin in Katsina, Kebbi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and neutralised two insurgents, including a suspected terrorist kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.

The troops also arrested two suspected terrorists in Katsina State during operations conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026.

The Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Danja said troops of Sector 2 were deployed to Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on September 14 after receiving reports that terrorists had abducted civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities.

He said the troops launched a hot pursuit of the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing them to flee.

According to him, the operation led to the rescue of 10 victims, comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.

“The rescued victims are in troops’ custody for further action,” Danja stated.

He said troops operating in Kebbi State also responded to a distress call over the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

According to him, 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,” he said.

Danja added that subsequent exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.

He said troops in Katsina also acted on intelligence about plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas on September 15, killing two terrorists during an operation at their suspected hideout.

“One of the terrorists neutralised was Abbah Alhassan, a known terrorist kingpin,” he stated.

Items recovered included 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, while troops also arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area.

“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were associated with a terrorist kingpin known as Mannori,” Danja said.

He added that the suspects remained in military custody and would undergo further investigation.

Troops rescue 31 kidnap victims, neutralise terrorist kingpin in Katsina, Kebbi