The rescued victims
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have arrested three terrorist logistics couriers and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, confirmed this in a statement issued issued to newsmen on Saturday in Katsina.
Lt. Col. Danja said: “On 24 September 2026, troops of Sector 2 intercepted three suspects travelling on a motorcycle in Faskari Local Government Area.
“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were conveying the sum of ₦2.7 million, suspected to be ransom money, alongside three mobile phones, for onward transfer to a terrorist kingpin through intermediaries within the area.
He said the suspects, and the recovered items are in military custody for further investigation.
According to him, Similarly, on 25 September 2026, troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists in Faskari Local Government Area, established an ambush position and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee in disarray. Exploitation of the area subsequently led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.
“In a related development on the same day, troops conducting a routine patrol intercepted and rescued 14 kidnapped victims comprising 12 males and 2 females. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had earlier been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages in Faskari Local Government Area.
He said the victims were reportedly abandoned by the terrorists upon sighting the advancing troops.
The military spokesman said they were subsequently rescued and handed over to the Faskari Local Government authorities for further necessary action.
According to him, the successes underscore the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting the lives and property of citizens, rescuing persons held in terrorist captivity and denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response, and urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
