By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 25 kidnapped victims during separate operations conducted in Katsina and Zamfara states, reinforcing ongoing military efforts to combat terrorism and kidnapping across the North-West.
The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the victims were rescued during coordinated patrol and combat operations carried out by troops in the two states.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 operating in Katsina State made contact with terrorists during a night patrol along Kwanar Kura in Sabuwa Local Government Area on September 3, 2026.
The troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their positions and flee into nearby bushes. The soldiers immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists along their escape routes.
During the pursuit, the troops successfully rescued two kidnapped victims who had earlier been abducted along the Dandume–Damari Road.
The operation also led to the recovery of two motorcycles believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 conducting a fighting patrol on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka Local Government Area rescued 23 abducted civilians.
The rescued victims comprised three males and 20 females who had been held captive by terrorists.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted from communities in Gummi Local Government Area and had spent approximately three weeks in captivity before their rescue.
Military sources said the victims were immediately evacuated from the area and taken to a secure location for medical attention and further debriefing.
The latest rescue operations add to a series of recent successes recorded by Operation FANSAN YAMMA in its campaign against terrorist and criminal elements operating across the North-West region.
Security analysts say the operations underscore the increasing pressure being mounted on terrorist groups through sustained patrols, intelligence-driven missions and offensive actions by troops.
The military high command has consistently reiterated its commitment to protecting communities, securing major transportation routes and ensuring the safe return of citizens held hostage by criminal groups.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA stated that troops remain determined to sustain aggressive operations aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and denying criminal elements freedom of movement within the Joint Operations Area.
Residents in several communities across the region have continued to express optimism over the military’s intensified operations, which have led to the rescue of numerous victims and the recovery of weapons and logistics belonging to terrorist groups.
The Armed Forces have urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-West.
