Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, working alongside personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s North West after rescuing 32 kidnapped victims and neutralising two suspected terrorists during a coordinated offensive operation in Katsina State.
The operation, which military authorities described as intelligence-driven and strategically executed, took place in the early hours of Friday, May 8, 2026, at Dikawa Village.
According to military sources, the mission followed credible intelligence reports indicating that terrorists operating within the area had established a hideout where several kidnapped victims were being held captive.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA mobilised to the location in conjunction with local security support personnel from the Katsina State Community Watch Corps. Upon arrival, the troops reportedly made contact with the armed criminals, leading to a fierce gun battle.
The military disclosed that the terrorists attempted to resist the advancing troops but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the security forces. Under pressure, the attackers reportedly abandoned their captives and fled in disarray.
During the exchange of fire, two suspected terrorists were neutralised.
Security forces subsequently carried out exploitation operations around the enclave, leading to the successful rescue of 32 kidnapped victims made up of nine men, 10 women, and 13 children.
Military authorities described the rescue as a significant humanitarian and operational success, especially given the increasing concerns over kidnapping and terrorist activities across parts of the North West region.
Beyond rescuing the victims, troops also dismantled what was described as the terrorists’ operational infrastructure within the area. Identified life-support structures, camps, and hideouts used by the criminal group were destroyed to deny them the ability to regroup or continue operations from the enclave.
A substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and operational equipment was also recovered during the raid.
Recovered items include two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun butt, one revolver chamber, eight PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists for mobility and operations within surrounding communities.
Troops also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the operation, further highlighting the extent of criminal activities allegedly being carried out by the armed group in the area.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated from the scene and transported to safety, where they are currently receiving medical attention, psychological support, and other humanitarian assistance.
Military authorities said the latest success underscores the growing operational momentum of troops deployed under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a joint military campaign established to combat terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, and other violent crimes across the North West.
In recent months, security agencies have intensified clearance operations, intelligence-led raids, and coordinated offensives targeting terrorist enclaves and criminal hideouts across several states in the region.
The military also commended the role of local intelligence and community cooperation in the success of the operation, noting that timely information from residents continues to play a critical role in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The Theatre Command praised the professionalism, commitment, and resilience of troops and allied security personnel participating in the operation, reaffirming the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain pressure on criminal groups operating within the region.
Residents were urged to continue supporting security agencies through the provision of timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing military operations and improving overall security across affected communities.
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