Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised two terrorists during a decisive offensive operation in Katsina State.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, 8 May 2026, occurred at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area following credible intelligence on terrorist activities and the concealment of abducted persons within the area.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops mobilised and advanced to the location where they made contact with the terrorists. This triggered a fierce and coordinated firefight, during which the security forces overpowered the criminals, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee in disarray.
During the encounter, two terrorists were neutralised. Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the successful rescue of 32 kidnapped victims comprising nine men, 10 women, and 13 children.
In a further consolidation of the operation, troops destroyed identified terrorist hideouts and life-support structures within the enclave to deny the criminals future operational bases in the area.
A press statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, confirmed the recovery of significant arms and logistics during the operation. These include two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun butt, one revolver chamber, eight PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles.
Additionally, 26 rustled livestock were recovered during the clearance operation.
The rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety, where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support.
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The Theatre Command described the operation as part of ongoing sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks across the North West, noting that the latest success underscores the professionalism, resilience, and commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and sister security agencies in combating terrorism and violent crime.
Authorities also commended the continued support of local communities, urging residents to maintain timely and credible intelligence sharing to further strengthen ongoing security operations across the region.
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