Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 27 kidnapped persons following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females, were reportedly abducted from Gamji community before the military responded to a distress call on October 16, 2026.
The task force’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Danja, the troops pursued the kidnappers along the Gangare-Kamba axis, where they engaged the assailants and forced them to abandon their captives.
“On contact, troops engaged with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their victims and flee in disarray,” he said.
He stated that the soldiers subsequently searched the area and rescued all 27 victims unharmed.
Danja added that the rescued persons were documented and handed over to community leaders to facilitate their reunion with their families.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops on a fighting patrol around Kurba village in Kankara Local Government Area encountered suspected terrorists travelling on three motorcycles.
The suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the soldiers, abandoning one motorcycle at the scene.
Danja said the operations reflected the task force’s continued efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and protect vulnerable communities across its area of responsibility.
“The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, commends troops for their gallantry and swift response,” the statement added.
The theatre commander also assured residents of Katsina, Zamfara and neighbouring states of the military’s determination to restore lasting peace and security.
The operations come amid continued military campaigns against terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats in Nigeria’s North-West region.
