Troops Rescue 31 Kidnap Victims, Kill Terrorist Kingpin in Katsina, Kebbi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed two suspected terrorists, including a suspected kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.

The operations, conducted on September 14 and 15, also led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists in Katsina State, according to the military.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the developments in a statement issued on Wednesday.

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

The troops immediately launched a pursuit of the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle. The terrorists were forced to flee, allowing the soldiers to rescue 10 victims.

The rescued victims comprised three males and seven females, including an infant. The military said the victims were taken into troops’ custody for further action.

On the same day, troops operating in Kebbi State responded to a distress call over the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

Acting on intelligence, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they made contact with the terrorists.

A heavy exchange of gunfire followed, forcing the attackers to withdraw from the area.

The troops subsequently searched the area and rescued 21 kidnapped victims. The military said the victims were later reunited with their families.

The military also reported another operation in Katsina on September 15 after receiving intelligence about an alleged plan by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.

Troops moved towards the suspected hideout and engaged the terrorists, killing two of them.

One of those killed was identified by the military as Abbah Alhassan, whom it described as a known terrorist kingpin. Other members of the group reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush.

Following the operation, troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing, Indian hemp and other items from the area.

In a separate operation around Yantumaki in Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops also arrested two suspected terrorists.

According to the military, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were associated with a suspected terrorist kingpin known as Mannori.

The suspects remain in military custody while investigations continue.

The latest operations add to ongoing military efforts to disrupt terrorist and kidnapping networks across the North-West, particularly in areas affected by repeated attacks and abductions.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the operations were aimed at rescuing kidnapped victims, disrupting terrorist networks and denying armed groups freedom of action within its area of responsibility.

The Joint Task Force also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information about suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency.

The military thanked members of the public for their continued support and cooperation with security agencies.