By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 27 kidnapped residents in Katsina State after engaging terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
The rescue operation took place on October 16, 2026, following a distress call over terrorist activities in Gamji community, Sabuwa Local Government Area, where 27 residents, comprising 15 males and 12 females, had been abducted.
According to an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 1 swiftly responded to the incident and pursued the terrorists along the Gangare-Kamba axis.
The statement said the troops engaged the terrorists on contact with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon the abducted residents and escape in disarray.
All 27 victims were subsequently rescued unharmed during the exploitation of the area. They were profiled and handed over to community leaders for reunification with their families.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops conducting a fighting patrol around Kurba village in Kankara Local Government Area encountered terrorists riding on three motorcycles.
The terrorists reportedly fled upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning one motorcycle, which was recovered by the military.
The task force said the operations reflected its sustained offensive posture and commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action while protecting vulnerable communities across the North-West.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their gallantry and swift response, assuring residents of Katsina, Zamfara and adjoining states of the task force’s continued commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
