Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised two terrorists and arrested two suspected terrorists in separate operations across Katsina and Kebbi states.

The operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 responded to reports of the abduction of civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area on September 14.

The troops launched a hot pursuit of the terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of 10 victims comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.

In Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call over the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area on the same day.

Acting on intelligence, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing them to retreat.

Subsequent exploitation of the area resulted in the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, troops on September 15 foiled an alleged planned terrorist attack on communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

According to the statement, the troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, killing two of them, including Abbah Alhassan, described by the military as a known terrorist kingpin. Other terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.

Items recovered from the area included 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among others.

In another operation, troops arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State.

Preliminary interrogation, according to the military, indicated that the suspects were associated with a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.

The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.

The Joint Task Force said the operations underscored its continued efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the activities of terrorists across its area of operations.

It also commended members of the public for their support and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.