Joint Task Force Rescues 31 Kidnap Victims in 2026

On September 14 and 15, 2026, troops from the Joint Task Force (North West), under Operation Fansan Yamma, successfully rescued 31 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi States. Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer, reported that on September 14 in Katsina, troops engaged terrorists in a gun battle, rescuing 10 victims, including three males, seven females, and an infant.

In Kebbi, the same day, troops responded to a distress call from Fafala Village, leading to the rescue of 21 victims after a heavy exchange of fire with the terrorists. On September 15, troops neutralized two terrorists, including a known kingpin, Abbah Alhassan, in Katsina and arrested two suspected terrorists linked to another kingpin, Mannori.

The military emphasized the importance of public vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to enhance security efforts.