By Joy Onu

The Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has recorded fresh gains in its offensive against terrorists in the North-West, rescuing nine kidnapped victims, recovering 56 rustled livestock and arresting a suspected terrorist during separate operations in Katsina State.

According to a press statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the intelligence-led operations and routine patrols were carried out in Faskari, Bakori and Danmusa local government areas of the state.

Among those rescued were three women, four men and two children who had been abducted on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of neighbouring Zamfara State.

The victims told troops they escaped after their abductors fell asleep before they were intercepted by soldiers on patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.

The military said the victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing the necessary procedures before being reunited with their families.

In Bakori Local Government Area, troops acting on credible intelligence foiled an attempt by suspected terrorists to rustle livestock.

The suspects reportedly opened fire on the advancing troops but retreated into nearby bushes after encountering superior military firepower, abandoning 56 animals comprising four cattle and 52 sheep.

The recovered livestock are in the custody of the troops pending their handover to the appropriate local authorities.

In a separate operation in Danmusa Local Government Area, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine security activities. Preliminary examination of items recovered from the suspect revealed materials believed to have links to terrorist activities. The suspect remains in military custody while investigations continue.

Commending the troops, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, praised their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the theatre.

He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated across the North-West.