Military Rescues 31 Kidnapped Victims, Eliminates Notorious Terrorist Kingpin, Nabs 2 Suspects In Katsina, Kebbi

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

The Joint Task Force disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, saying the successful operations were carried out on September 14 and 15, 2026, following credible intelligence and distress calls from affected communities.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 responded swiftly after terrorists abducted residents of Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on September 14. The troops pursued the kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, leading to the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims comprising three men, seven women and an infant.

The statement added that on the same day, troops also responded to another distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops launched a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of gunfire, forcing them to flee. The operation resulted in the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.

Lt. Col. Danja further disclosed that on September 15, troops acting on intelligence about planned terrorist attacks on communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State stormed a terrorist hideout. During the operation, the troops neutralised two terrorists, including notorious terrorist kingpin Abbah Alhassan, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes.

Items recovered during the operation included 10 rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other exhibits.

The military also announced the arrest of two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki area of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori, and they are currently in custody for further investigation.

The Joint Task Force said the successful operations demonstrate the sustained determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to rescue kidnapped victims, dismantle terrorist networks and deny criminal elements freedom of action across the North-West. It also appreciated members of the public for their continued support and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.