Nine Kidnap Victims Escape After Abductors Fall Asleep in Forest

• Operation Fansan Yamma troops have rescued nine kidnap victims who escaped from their abductors, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate operations in Katsina State.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued nine kidnap victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations in Katsina State.

The development was disclosed on Friday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, who said the operations were carried out in different parts of the state.

According to Danja, troops of Sector 2 rescued the nine victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.

The victims, comprising three women, four men and two children, were reportedly abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by the troops.

“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing necessary procedures before being reunited with their families,” Danja said.

In a separate operation, troops acting on credible intelligence foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.

According to the military, the terrorists opened fire on the troops but were forced to flee into the bush after being overwhelmed by superior firepower.

The troops recovered 56 rustled animals, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, which are currently in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.

Danja also disclosed that troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.

He said items recovered from the suspect during preliminary interrogation indicated possible links to terrorist activities.

“The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation,” he added.

Commending the troops, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, praised their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal groups across the North West.

He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and members of the public until terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities are decisively defeated across the region.