Troops Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims, Arrest 3 Suspected Terrorist Couriers in Katsina

By: Ganiyu Olayinka

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 14 kidnapped victims and arrested three suspected terrorist logistics couriers during separate operations in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the operation, the rescued victims comprised 12 males and two females had been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages in Faskari before troops freed them during a routine patrol on September 25, 2026.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 2 intercepted three suspects travelling on a motorcycle in Faskari on September 24. Danja said preliminary interrogation indicated the suspects were transporting ₦2.7 million, suspected to be ransom money, along with three mobile phones, allegedly meant for onward transfer to a terrorist leader through intermediaries in the area. The suspects and recovered items have since been taken into military custody for further investigation.

Danja also disclosed that troops acting on intelligence about terrorist movement in the area set up an ambush on September 25 and engaged suspected terrorists, forcing them to flee. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.

Later that same day, in a separate encounter, troops on routine patrol came across the 14 kidnapped victims. Danja said preliminary investigations indicated they had earlier been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages, and were reportedly abandoned by their captors once the terrorists spotted the advancing troops. The rescued persons were subsequently handed over to Faskari Local Government authorities for further action.

The Theatre Command said the operations reflected Operation Fansan Yamma’s continued commitment to protecting civilians, rescuing persons held by terrorist groups, and restricting the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements within its area of operation. It commended the troops for their vigilance and response, while urging residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious activities and movements in their communities.