Soldiers rescue 14 kidnapped victims in Katsina
August 19, 2026 8:56 am
The rescued victim. CREDIT: Nigerian Army
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a counter-terrorism operation in the Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The victims, comprising six males and eight females, were rescued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after troops responded to credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists with kidnapped persons around Madaci Forest.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lit-Col. Aliyu Danja, said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the terrorists.
According to him, the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes.
“Following exploitation of the area, troops successfully rescued 14 victims comprising six males and eight females,” Danja said.
He disclosed that preliminary investigation showed that the victims were abducted from different locations within the Dandume, Bakori and Funtua general areas of the state.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the appropriate local authorities for necessary action and reunification with their families.
Danja said the successful operation demonstrated the responsiveness and determination of troops to protect lives and prevent terrorists from carrying out criminal activities across the joint operations area.
He further noted that the ltroops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and intensify operations to safeguard communities across the North-West.
“The Theatre Command reassures the public that troops will continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and intensify operations to safeguard communities across the North West,” he said.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
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