Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in conjunction with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have successfully rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised 2 terrorists during a major offensive operation in Katsina State.
The rescue operation took place in the early hours of Friday, 8 May 2026, at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, following credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists harbouring kidnapped victims within the general area.
Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja confirmed the rescue operation in a statement issued on Saturday in Katsina.
Lt. Col. Danja said the troops acting on the intelligence, swiftly mobilised and advanced to the location where they made contact with the terrorists.
He said the troops subsequently engaged the criminals in a fierce and well-coordinated firefight that overwhelmed the terrorists and forced them to abandon their captives while fleeing in disarray.
According to him, during the encounter, troops neutralised 2 terrorists, while exploitation of the area led to the successful rescue of 32 kidnapped victims comprising 9 men, 10 women, and 13 children.
Troops also destroyed all identified life-support structures and terrorist hideouts within the enclave to deny the criminals further operational base within the area.
Other items recovered during the operation include 2 AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun butt, one revolver chamber, 8 PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles, amongst other items.
Additionally, troops recovered 26 rustled livestock during the operation. The rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety and are receiving the necessary medical attention and care.
The continued operational successes recorded by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain a testament to the commitment, professionalism, and resilience of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities within the North West region.
The Theatre Command appreciated the continuous support and cooperation of patriotic citizens and urged the public to sustain timely and credible information sharing with security agencies to further enhance ongoing operations across the theatre.