OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA TROOPS RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIM, RECOVER 126 RUSTLED LIVESTOCK, ARREST SUSPECTS IN KATSINA
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a series of operational gains in Katsina State, rescuing a kidnap victim, recovering 126 rustled livestock, and arresting suspects during coordinated security operations conducted across the state.
The operations, carried out on 26 July 2026, formed part of the ongoing counterterrorism and anti banditry campaign aimed at dismantling criminal networks and denying armed groups freedom of movement within the North West.
Military sources disclosed that troops, working alongside the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, responded to a distress call reporting terrorist activity at Karkata Village in Charanchi Local Government Area.
While advancing to the location, the security team established contact with the fleeing terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower. Unable to withstand the assault, the attackers abandoned a kidnapped victim and escaped into nearby bushes. The victim was rescued without injury and subsequently reunited with her family.
In another operation, troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, carried out intelligence led raids at Wagin, Tundu Mobi, and Chadawaki communities in Batsari Local Government Area.
The operation resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm loaded with five cartridges, alongside other exhibits considered relevant to ongoing investigations. The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary action.
In a separate intelligence driven mission, troops laid an ambush along a suspected terrorist crossing route at Yankwani Village in Bakori Local Government Area following credible reports of rustled livestock being moved through the area.
The troops intercepted the movement and engaged the suspects, forcing them to abandon the animals and flee under sustained military pressure.
A total of 126 rustled livestock comprising 83 cattle and 43 sheep were recovered during the operation. The animals were formally handed over to the Chairman of the Bakori Peace Keeping Committee, in the presence of local government officials, to facilitate identification and return to their rightful owners.
The latest operations underscore the sustained operational pressure being mounted by Operation FANSAN YAMMA against terrorist and bandit networks across Katsina State through intelligence driven operations, rapid response deployments, interagency collaboration, and area domination patrols.
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the courage, vigilance, and professionalism displayed by the troops and reaffirmed the command's determination to sustain offensive operations until lasting peace and security are restored across Katsina State and the wider North West region.
