By Elizabeth Tanko
North West, Nigeria — Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have neutralised eight suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during coordinated security operations in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara States on Monday.
The operations, conducted on October 24 and 25, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three locally fabricated guns, three motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.
According to a statement issued by Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, the operations were carried out by troops of Sectors 1 and 2 in response to distress calls and intelligence on suspected terrorist activities.
On Saturday, October 24, troops of Sector 1 responded to a distress call from farmers reporting terrorist activities around Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The troops mobilised to the area and engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, neutralising two of them, while others fled.
During the operation, the troops rescued a 42-year-old man, identified as Mr Suleiman Umar, who had reportedly been kidnapped by the terrorists.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing ammunition, as well as a motorcycle.
In a separate incident on the same day, troops of Sector 1, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), foiled a suspected terrorist ambush along Ungwan Iya in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, neutralising six suspected terrorists.
The encounter followed a distress call reporting an attack by suspected armed terrorists at Ungwan Mallami village, where the assailants reportedly fled with two kidnapped victims.
While pursuing the fleeing suspects, the troops came under attack but responded with superior firepower, neutralising six of the suspected terrorists, while others escaped.
Items recovered during the operation included three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 rescued two kidnapped victims in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Sunday, October 25.
The rescued victims were identified as Mr Shehu Chete, 40, and Mr Bugu Bedi, 25, both indigenes of Kebbi State.
The statement said the troops, while conducting surveillance operations in the area, observed the activities of suspected terrorists and swiftly deployed a fighting patrol.
On sighting the advancing troops, the suspects fled, abandoning the two victims.
The rescued men were immediately evacuated to Bagega Clinic for medical attention before being moved to a military base for further assessment and subsequent reunion with their families.
The military said troops were continuing patrols and search operations across the affected areas to apprehend fleeing suspects, rescue other kidnapped victims and prevent further attacks.
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Warrah Idris commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience in responding to the incidents.
He also urged members of the public to support ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at improving security and protecting residents across the Northwest.
