Troops rescue three kidnap victims, recover two vehicles in Katsina

By Johnson Arua

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims during a counter-terrorism operation along the Dandume-Sheme Road in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, followed a distress call from local residents on Thursday, September 3, 2026, concerning terrorist activities along the route.

Danja said troops of Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, working in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, swiftly mobilised to the area after receiving the alert.

He said the security forces made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush in disarray following the troops’ superior firepower.

According to him, the terrorists abandoned their victims as they fled the scene, allowing the troops to conduct an extensive exploitation of the area.

The operation subsequently led to the rescue of three kidnapped victims and the recovery of two vehicles allegedly used by the terrorists.

The rescued victims and recovered vehicles were later handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Dandume, for further necessary action.

The statement added that troops have continued to dominate the area through aggressive patrols aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and preventing further attacks along the route.

Danja said the successful operation demonstrated the determination of troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across the Joint Operations Area.

He commended residents for their continued support and cooperation with security agencies, urging members of the public to remain vigilant.

The military spokesman also appealed to residents to promptly report suspicious movements and activities in their communities to the nearest security outpost to enable security personnel to take timely action.