By: Odeh Favour
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 27 kidnapped victims in Katsina State after engaging terrorists in a fierce gun battle in Sabuwa Local Government Area.
The victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females, were abducted from Gamji community before troops responded swiftly to a distress call on October 16, 2026.
The Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in an official statement issued on Tuesday.
Danja explained that the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists along the Gangare-Kamba axis, engaging them with superior firepower.
“On contact, troops engaged with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their victims and flee in disarray,” he said.
He added that all 27 victims were rescued unharmed during a subsequent search of the general area.
According to him, the rescued victims were profiled and handed over to community leaders for reunification with their families
.
In a separate operation conducted on the same day, troops executing a fighting patrol around Kurba village in Kankara Local Government Area encountered terrorists riding on three motorcycles.
Danja stated that the terrorists fled upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning one of the motorcycles, which was subsequently recovered by the soldiers.
He noted that the successful operations demonstrated the sustained offensive posture and operational effectiveness of Operation Fansan Yamma in denying terrorists freedom of action and protecting 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 reassured residents of Katsina, Zamfara, and neighbouring states of the task force’s unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace and security to the region.
The latest military successes come amid ongoing operational efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and other security threats affecting communities across Nigeria’s North-West region.
