Troops free 27 abductees after gun battle with terrorists in Katsina

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 27 kidnapped victims in Katsina State after engaging terrorists in a gun battle in Sabuwa Local Government Area.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females, were abducted from Gamji community before troops responded to a distress call on October 16, 2026.

The Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Danja said the troops, who pursued the terrorists along the Gangare-Kamba axis, engaged them with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.

“On contact, troops engaged with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their victims and flee in disarray,” he said.

He added that all 27 victims were rescued unharmed during the subsequent search of the area.

According to him, the rescued victims were profiled and handed over to community leaders for reunification with their families.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops conducting a fighting patrol around Kurba village in Kankara Local Government Area encountered terrorists riding on three motorcycles.

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Danja said the terrorists fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning one of the motorcycles.

He said the operations demonstrated the sustained offensive posture and operational effectiveness of Operation Fansan Yamma in denying terrorists freedom of action and protecting vulnerable communities across its area of responsibility.

“The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, commends troops for their gallantry and swift response,” the statement added.

The Theatre Commander also reassured residents of Katsina, Zamfara and neighbouring states of the task force’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security.

The latest operations come amid ongoing military efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats affecting communities across Nigeria’s North-West region.