Odita Sunday 
Troops Rescue 31 Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Terrorist Kingpin In Katsina
By Odita Sunday
Thirty-one kidnapped victims, including seven women and an infant, have been rescued by troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), in separate operations across Katsina and Kebbi States.
The operations, conducted between 14 and 15 September 2026, also resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists, including Abbah Alhassan, identified by the task force as a known terrorist kingpin, and the arrest of two suspected terrorists.
In a statement issued on 16 September 2026, Aliyu Danja, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the troops carried out the operations following distress calls and credible intelligence on planned attacks and kidnappings.
In Katsina State on 14 September, troops of Sector 2 were mobilised after receiving reports that civilians had been abducted from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area.
The troops launched a hot pursuit of the terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle, during which 10 kidnapped victims were rescued.
The victims comprised three males and seven females, including an infant. They were taken into troops’ custody for further action.
A similar operation unfolded the same day in Kebbi State after troops responded to a distress call over the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.
Acting on intelligence, the troops moved towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they encountered the terrorists and engaged them in a heavy exchange of fire.
The sustained pressure forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray, allowing the troops to search the area and rescue 21 kidnapped victims.
The 21 victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
The troops returned to action in Katsina on 15 September after receiving intelligence that terrorists were planning attacks on communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas.
They moved towards the suspected hideout and engaged the terrorists, neutralising two of them, including Abbah Alhassan, whom the task force described as a known terrorist kingpin.
Other terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.
During the subsequent search of the area, troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, one cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other items.
In another operation on 15 September, troops of Sector 2 arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State.
Preliminary interrogation, according to the task force, indicated that the suspects were associated with a terrorist kingpin known as Mannori. The suspects remain in custody for further investigation.
The Joint Task Force said the operations underscored its continued efforts to rescue victims, disrupt terrorist networks and deny terrorists freedom of action across its Joint Operations Area.
It also thanked members of the public for their support and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to the nearest security agency.
About the Author
