Troops rescue 9 kidnapped victims, nab suspected terrorist

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian Army has listed rescue of nine kidnapped victims, recovery 56 rustled livestock, and arrest of a suspected terrorist as the achievements of its troops during separate intelligence-driven operations conducted across the Northwest part of the country.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA announced this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, troops on fighting patrol rescued nine kidnapped victims, comprising three women, four men, and two children, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The spokesperson said the victims were abducted by terrorists on 9 July 2026 along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“The victims disclosed that they escaped from the terrorists’ enclave after their captors fell asleep, before being intercepted and rescued by the troops. The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families,” the statement indicated.

Danja added that in another operation, troops responded swiftly to terrorists attempting to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area. “On sighting the troops, the terrorists opened fire but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops and fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and fifty-two sheep. The recovered livestock are in troops’ custody, pending handover to local authorities,” he said.

The spokesperson added that a suspected terrorist was arrested by troops during routine operational activities in Danmusa Local Government Area.

“Preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect revealed materials suspected to have links with terrorist activities. The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation.

“The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the theatre. He reaffirmed the resolve of the Joint Task Force to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens, until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated in the North West,” said Danja.