Troops recover 56 rustled livestock in Katsina

The Nigerian Army has said troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, recovered 56 rustled livestock, rescued nine kidnapped victims and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate operations in Katsina State.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Danja said the operations were carried out across different parts of the state as part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the North-West.

He said, “Troops of Sector 2 on fighting patrol rescued nine kidnapped victims, comprising three women, four men, and two children, in Faskari Local Government Area.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on 9 July 2026 along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.”

According to him, the victims disclosed that they escaped from the terrorists’ enclave after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by the troops.

“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families,” he added.

The military spokesman also disclosed that troops thwarted an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.

“Based on credible intelligence, 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 52 sheep.

“The recovered livestock are in the troops’ custody, pending handover to local authorities,” he added.

Danja also announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist during another operation.

“Similarly, troops arrested a suspected terrorist 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,” he added.

Commending the troops, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, reaffirmed the military’s determination to sustain the offensive against criminal groups.