…recover 56 rustled animals
By Tola Gbadamosi
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have recorded major operational successes in Katsina State, rescuing nine kidnapped victims, recovering 56 rustled livestock, and arresting a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, while on a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government area, rescued nine kidnapped victims comprising three women, four men and two children.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government area of Zamfara State.
The victims told security personnel that they escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by the troops.
They are currently in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families.
In a separate operation, troops acting on credible intelligence responded swiftly to an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government area.
On sighting the troops, the terrorists opened fire but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the soldiers and fled into the surrounding bush.
The troops recovered 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, which have been secured pending their handover to the appropriate local authorities.
Similarly, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government area. Preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect indicated possible links to terrorist activities. The suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism and other criminal activities are decisively defeated across the North West.