Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, in collaboration with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have rescued 32 abducted victims and killed two terrorists during a major offensive operation in Katsina State.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant-Colonel Aliyu Danjuma, the rescue operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday, May 8, 2026, at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, following credible intelligence on terrorist activities within the area.

The statement noted that troops swiftly mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists in a fierce and coordinated gun battle after making contact with them.
The superior firepower of the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
During the operation, troops killed two terrorists and successfully rescued 32 abducted victims, made up of nine men, 10 women, and 13 children.

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The troops also destroyed identified terrorist hideouts and life-support structures within the enclave to deny the criminals further operational bases in the area.
Items recovered during the operation 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 locally fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles, among other items.

Additionally, troops recovered 26 rustled livestock during the operation.
The rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety and are receiving necessary medical attention and care.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)

