9 Victims Escape As Abductors Doze Off in Katsina Forest

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued nine victims who escaped from their abductors, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations in Katsina State.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to him, troops of Sector 2 rescued the nine victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area of the State.

“The victims—three women, four men and two children—were reportedly abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Lt. Col. Danja.

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He said preliminary investigation revealed that the victims escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by the troops.

“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing necessary procedures before being reunited with their families,” the statement said.

Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja further said, in a separate operation, troops acting on credible intelligence, responded to an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.

“The terrorists reportedly opened fire on the troops but fled into the bush after being overpowered by superior firepower.

Danja also said the troops recovered 56 rustled animals, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, which are being kept in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.

Also, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.

“Items recovered from the suspect during preliminary exploitation were said to indicate possible links to terrorist activities.

“The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.” Danja said.

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 groups across the North West.

He reiterated the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism and other criminal activities are decisively defeated in the region.

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