Troops Neutralize Eight Suspected Terrorists, Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised eight suspected armed terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara States, the military has said.

The operations, conducted on 24 and 25 October 2026, also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, three locally fabricated guns, three motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector One responded to a distress call from farmers at Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area on Saturday, engaging the terrorists in a gun battle that resulted in the neutralisation of two suspects while others fled.

During that operation, troops rescued Mr Suleiman Umar, aged 42, who had been kidnapped by the terrorists.

Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing rounds of ammunition, as well as one motorcycle.

In a separate incident on the same day, troops of Sector One, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, foiled a terrorist ambush along Ungwan Iya in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, neutralising six suspected terrorists.

The incident occurred when troops responded to a distress call reporting an attack at Ungwan Mallami village, during which the terrorists fled with two kidnapped victims.

While trailing the terrorists, the troops came under attack but responded swiftly with superior firepower.

The troops recovered three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms during the Kaduna operation.

The military did not state whether the two residents abducted from Ungwan Mallami were rescued.

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector Two rescued two kidnapped victims in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area, on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The rescued victims were identified as Mr Shehu Chete, aged 40, and Mr Bugu Bedi, aged 25, both indigenes of Kebbi State.

The troops, while conducting surveillance operations in the general area, observed the activities of suspected terrorists and swiftly responded with a fighting patrol. On sighting the troops, the terrorists fled the area, abandoning the two victims.

The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to Bagega Clinic for medical attention before being moved to the military base for further assessment and subsequent reunion with their families.

Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, said troops are currently dominating the general areas through sustained patrols and search operations aimed at apprehending the terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims and preventing further attacks.

“The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, has commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience in responding to the attacks,” Sinivie said.

Members of the public were urged to continue supporting ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.