Soldiers operating under the Joint Task Force North West, known as Operation FANSAN YAMMA, successfully freed nine hostages, reclaimed 56 stolen animals, and took one suspected militant into custody throughout Katsina State. Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the task force media officer, confirmed the details of these intelligence-driven missions carried out in the Faskari, Bakori, and Danmusa areas on Friday.
In Faskari, military personnel rescued a group of nine people—three women, four men, and two children—during a targeted patrol. These individuals had been abducted on July 9, 2026, near the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Zamfara State. According to reports, the captives managed to slip away from their kidnappers while the militants were sleeping before encountering the military units. They are now receiving care and awaiting return to their relatives.
Separately, troops in the Bakori area intervened following reports of a cattle rustling attempt. The militants engaged the soldiers but were forced to flee into the brush due to the military’s stronger offensive capabilities. They abandoned 56 head of livestock, specifically four cattle and 52 sheep, which are now being held for formal transfer to officials. Additionally, a suspect linked to militant operations was captured in Danmusa. Investigators found items on the individual that suggest direct involvement in terrorism, and the person remains under interrogation.
