Nigerian troops rescue nine kidnap victims, recover 56 rustled animals in Katsina

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully rescued nine kidnap victims and recovered 56 rustled animals during separate operations in Katsina State. The operations, conducted across various parts of the state based on credible intelligence, also led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist.

The rescued victims, comprising three women, four men, and two children, were found during a patrol in Faskari Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations indicate they were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Zamfara State. The victims managed to escape from their captors’ enclave after the terrorists fell asleep, and were subsequently intercepted and rescued by the troops.

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Troops of Sector 2 on fighting patrol rescued nine kidnapped victims, comprising three women, four men, and two children, in Faskari Local Government Area. Preliminary 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. 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 a separate incident, troops foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area. The terrorists opened fire upon sighting the troops but were overwhelmed and fled, abandoning 56 rustled animals, including four cattle and fifty-two sheep. The recovered animals are in military custody pending handover.

Additionally, a suspected terrorist was arrested during an operation in Danmusa Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect suggest possible links to terrorist activities, and he remains in military custody for further investigation. The Theatre Commander commended the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, reaffirming the Joint Task Force’s commitment to sustaining operations against terrorism in the North-West.

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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.