Troops rescue nine kidnap victims, recover 56 rustled livestock in Katsina

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations across Katsina State.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were conducted in Faskari, Bakori and Danmusa local government areas.

The statement said troops of Sector 2 rescued nine kidnap victims, comprising three women, four men and two children, during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 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 statement said.

The military added that the victims are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families.

In a separate operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops responded to intelligence about terrorists attempting to rustle livestock.

“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 statement added.

The recovered livestock have been secured by the troops pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.

Meanwhile, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations 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 statement said.