RismadarVoice Reporters
September 17, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed two suspected terrorists, including an alleged kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The military also announced the arrest of two suspected terrorists during the operations conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026.
Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the developments in a statement.
According to Danja, troops were deployed to Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on September 14 following reports that residents had been abducted from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities.
The troops pursued the suspected attackers and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw. Ten kidnapped victims — three males and seven females, including an infant — were subsequently rescued.
21 VICTIMS RESCUED IN KEBBI
In a separate operation the same day, troops responded to reports of an abduction at Fafala Village in Kebbi State.
Acting on intelligence, the troops conducted a patrol around Fafala and Dandikwa, where they encountered the suspected terrorists.
Following the confrontation, the attackers withdrew, and troops searched the area, leading to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims. The military said the victims were later reunited with their families.
SUSPECTED KINGPIN KILLED IN KATSINA
On September 15, troops conducted another operation after receiving intelligence about suspected plans to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State.
The military said troops moved to the suspected hideout and confronted the group, killing two suspected terrorists.
One of those killed was identified by the JTF as Abbah Alhassan, whom it described as a known terrorist kingpin. Other members of the group reportedly fled the area.
Troops recovered ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing and other items from the location.
The JTF also said two suspected terrorists were arrested in the Yantumaki area of Dan Musa Local Government Area. The suspects remain in military custody pending further investigation.
Operation Fansan Yamma said the operations formed part of continuing efforts to disrupt armed groups and rescue kidnapped civilians across the North-West, while urging residents to provide security agencies with information about suspicious activities.
