Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed two terrorists, including a suspected kingpin, during operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The operations, conducted on 14 and 15 September 2026, also led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists in Katsina State, according to the military.
The Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Danja said troops of Sector 2 were deployed to Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on 14 September after receiving reports that terrorists had abducted civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities.
The troops subsequently pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the terrorists to retreat.
Ten victims, comprising three men and seven women, including an infant, were rescued during the operation.
The military spokesman said the rescued victims were taken into military custody for further action.
In Kebbi State, troops responded on the same day to a distress call reporting 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 encountered the terrorists.
Danja said the troops engaged the group in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw.
A subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.
The JTF recorded another operation in Katsina State on 15 September after receiving intelligence about an alleged plan by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.
According to Danja, 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.
The troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other items, from the hideout.
In a separate operation, troops arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area on 15 September.
Danja said preliminary questioning indicated that the suspects were allegedly linked to a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.
The suspects remain in military custody and are expected to undergo further investigation.
The JTF said the operations formed part of its ongoing efforts to rescue kidnapped civilians, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the activities of armed groups across the North-West.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
