Troops rescue 7 kidnap victims in Katsina, Zamfara, foil abduction attempts in North West operations

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued seven kidnapped victims and foiled coordinated abduction attempts in Katsina and Zamfara States during sustained counter-terrorism and search-and-rescue operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across Nigeria’s North West.

A statement by Aliyu Danja, media information officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the latest successes were recorded on 16 June 2026 under ongoing clearance missions designed to deny criminal groups freedom of action and rescue captives held in forest enclaves and rural communities.

In Katsina State, troops conducting Operation CLEAN SWEEP 3 intensified offensive operations in Matazu Local Government Area, targeting suspected terrorist hideouts in Fafu Village.

 The operation, according to the military, was part of wider efforts to build on recent breakthroughs in the area, including the rescue of the spouse of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar.

“During the assault on the identified hideout, troops reportedly applied superior firepower and sustained pressure on the criminals, forcing them to abandon their camp and flee into surrounding terrain.

“Following a thorough clearance of the area, soldiers rescued four kidnapped victims who were found within the enclave.

“The victims, who were freed during the operation, are currently receiving medical attention for injuries sustained while in captivity”, the statement noted.

It also revealed that in a separate incident in Zamfara State, troops deployed in Zurmi Local Government Area foiled an attempted mass abduction in Zurmi town after receiving a distress alert about terrorist infiltration of the community.

It added that security personnel swiftly mobilised to the location and engaged the attackers in a firefight.

“The armed group, unable to withstand the troops’ response, abandoned their mission and fled the area.

“Subsequent clearance and exploitation operations led to the rescue of three additional abducted victims, who were safely evacuated and reunited with their families”, the military said.

Military authorities also said the coordinated operations underscore the continued pressure being mounted on terrorist and bandit groups across the region, as troops sustain offensive actions aimed at degrading their operational capabilities and restoring normalcy to affected communities.

They reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to ongoing search-and-rescue missions, noting that troops remain resolute in denying criminals safe havens across the North West.