Troops rescue seven kidnap victims, foil coordinated abduction attempts in Katsina, Zamfara

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued seven kidnapped victims and disrupted coordinated abduction attempts across parts of Katsina and Zamfara States in renewed counter-terrorism and search-and-rescue operations in Nigeria’s North West.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the operations, conducted on 16 June 2026, form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit strongholds while sustaining pressure on criminal networks responsible for kidnappings in the region.

He noted that in Katsina State, troops under Operation CLEAN SWEEP 3 intensified offensive operations in Matazu Local Government Area, targeting suspected terrorist enclaves in Fafu Village. 

“The action followed a broader clearance mission aimed at consolidating recent gains in the area, including the rescue of the spouse of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar.

“During the raid on the identified hideout, troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their position and flee. Following the clearance of the camp, four kidnapped victims were rescued alive”, Danja said.

The victims, according to him, are currently receiving medical care for injuries sustained during their period of captivity.

In a separate operation in Zamfara State, troops thwarted an attempted mass abduction in Zurmi town, Zurmi Local Government Area, after receiving a distress call indicating terrorist infiltration of the community.

Troops were swiftly deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a gun battle. Overpowered by the military response, the assailants abandoned their mission and fled into surrounding areas.

“Subsequent search and exploitation of the location led to the rescue of three additional abducted persons, who were safely evacuated and reunited with their families”, Danja added.

He described the twin operations as part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists and bandits operational freedom across the North West, noting that ongoing clearance missions will continue to target identified enclaves.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensifying search-and-rescue operations until lasting peace is restored to affected communities.