Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded another breakthrough in the fight against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, rescuing six abducted victims during separate operations in Kaduna and Katsina states.

The successful rescues followed intelligence-driven and rapid-response operations carried out by personnel of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Gusau by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 operating in Kaduna State acted on credible intelligence regarding a kidnapping incident in Igabi Local Government Area and moved swiftly to intercept the suspected kidnappers.

The troops reportedly encountered the armed criminals while they were moving their captives to an undisclosed location. Faced with the advancing security forces, the suspects abandoned the victims and fled into nearby terrain.

Three kidnapped persons named Enock Hussaini, Abba Dauda and Kalif Haruna — were rescued during the operation.

Military authorities said the victims had earlier been abducted by terrorists from Gidan Gulbi Village on September 11, 2026.

Following their rescue, the victims were debriefed and safely reunited with their families, while troops intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to prevent further attacks.

In a separate operation in Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 responded to an emergency report of an abduction along the Dandume–Damari road in Dandume Local Government Area.

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Security forces were said to have mobilised immediately and tracked the kidnappers, engaging them in a fierce gun battle.

The superior firepower of the troops forced the criminals to retreat into surrounding bushes, abandoning their captives as they fled.

Three victims identified as  Abubakar Abdulkadir, 25, Mansir Idris, 26, and Abubakar Aliyu, 21  were rescued unharmed during the operation.

Troops also recovered a black Volkswagen Golf vehicle belonging to the victims, which had been taken by the kidnappers.

After necessary security procedures, the rescued victims were escorted to safety and allowed to continue their journey.

Military authorities described the twin successes as further evidence of the sustained offensive against terrorist and criminal elements operating across the North-West.

The Joint Task Force noted that the operations reflect its commitment to protecting lives, dismantling criminal networks and denying terrorists the freedom to operate within the region.

The force also commended residents for supporting ongoing security efforts and encouraged members of the public to remain alert and promptly share credible information with security agencies to strengthen the fight against insecurity.