Troops from the Joint Task Force North West, known as Operation Fansan Yamma, successfully rescued 27 individuals who had been kidnapped in Katsina State following a fierce gun battle with terrorists. The operation took place in Sabuwa Local Government Area, where the victims were initially abducted from the Gamji community on October 16, 2026.

According to Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for the task force, the military responded to a distress call that prompted their swift action. The troops pursued the terrorists along the Gangare-Kamba route, engaging them with superior firepower. This decisive action forced the assailants to abandon their captives and flee the scene.

"On contact, troops engaged with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their victims and flee in disarray," Danja stated in a press release. He confirmed that all 27 rescued individuals, consisting of 15 males and 12 females, were unharmed during the operation.

After the rescue, the victims were profiled and subsequently handed over to community leaders to facilitate their reunification with family members. This successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the military to combat the rampant issues of terrorism and kidnapping that have plagued the North-West region of Nigeria.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops conducting a patrol near Kurba village in Kankara Local Government Area encountered terrorists on three motorcycles. Upon sighting the military personnel, the terrorists fled, abandoning one of the motorcycles. Lt. Col. Danja emphasized that these operations reflect the sustained offensive posture and operational effectiveness of Operation Fansan Yamma in ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities.

The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West commended the troops for their bravery and quick response, reassuring residents of Katsina, Zamfara, and neighboring states of the task force's commitment to restoring peace and security in the area. The recent successes come amid a broader military campaign aimed at addressing the persistent threats posed by armed groups in the region, as authorities strive to enhance safety for all citizens.