Nine abducted persons have regained their freedom after escaping from their captors when the kidnappers reportedly fell asleep in a forest, the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, has said.
The rescue was part of a series of intelligence led operations carried out by troops in Katsina State, which also led to the recovery of 56 rustled livestock and the arrest of a suspected terrorist.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops of Sector 2 rescued the victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
The rescued victims, three women, four men and two children, were abducted on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to Lt. Col. Danja, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep. They were later intercepted and rescued by the troops.
He said the victims are currently in safe custody and undergoing necessary procedures before being reunited with their families.
In a separate operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops acting on credible intelligence foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the troops but fled into the bush after being overwhelmed by superior firepower.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 56 rustled animals, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep. The livestock is being held in military custody pending handover to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect during preliminary investigations indicated possible links to terrorist activities.
The suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.
Commending the troops, the Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma praised their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the North West.
He reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law abiding citizens until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated in the region. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
