Troops Rescue Six Kidnapped Victims in Kaduna, Katsina, Recover Vehicle as Terrorists Flee

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rescue of six kidnapped victims in two separate operations across Kaduna and Katsina States, a dual success that underscores the military's continuing pressure on terrorist networks in Nigeria's troubled North-West. The operations, conducted on Thursday, September 17, 2026, followed intelligence-driven fighting patrols and swift responses to distress calls, according to a statement issued on Friday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The first operation unfolded in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where troops of Sector 1 acted on intelligence about a kidnapping incident. According to the Army, the troops encountered suspected terrorists moving some kidnapped victims through the area. On sighting the troops, the terrorists abandoned their captives and fled in disarray. The soldiers subsequently rescued three victims, identified as Enock Hussaini, Abba Dauda, and Kalif Haruna. The victims, the Army disclosed, had been abducted by terrorists at Gidan Gulbi Village on September 11, 2026. After their rescue, they were debriefed and reunited with their families, while troops continued to dominate the general area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or returning.

The second operation took place in Katsina State, where troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call concerning the abduction of civilians along the Dandume-Damari axis in Dandume Local Government Area. The soldiers mobilised swiftly to the area and made contact with the terrorists, engaging them with what the Army described as overwhelming firepower. The terrorists fled into the surrounding bushes, abandoning their victims. Troops pursued them and subsequently rescued three more victims, identified as Abubakar Abdulkadir, aged 25; Mansir Idris, aged 26; and Abubakar Aliyu, aged 21. The soldiers also recovered a black Golf vehicle belonging to the victims. The rescued individuals were later escorted and released to continue their journey.

The Army said the latest successes demonstrate the continued efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to secure innocent civilians, disrupt terrorist activities, and deny criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area. Lieutenant Colonel Danja expressed appreciation to members of the public for their continued support and urged them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

The rescues come amid a broader intensification of military operations across Nigeria's North-West, where banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism have remained persistent threats despite years of security interventions. Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched as a Joint Task Force, has been at the forefront of the campaign, combining ground operations, intelligence-led patrols, and air support to degrade criminal networks operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and parts of Niger State. The operation has recorded a series of successes in recent weeks, including the rescue of dozens of kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of terrorist fighters, and the recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and other logistical assets used by criminal groups.

In early September alone, troops under the operation rescued 25 kidnapped persons during separate operations in Katsina and Zamfara States. On September 4, two victims were rescued during a night patrol along the Kwanar Kura axis of Sabuwa Local Government Area in Katsina State after troops engaged fleeing terrorists. A day earlier, on September 3, troops rescued two additional abducted victims and recovered two motorcycles along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road, also in Sabuwa Local Government Area. The pattern suggests a sustained operational tempo aimed at disrupting the mobility and logistics of kidnap syndicates.

The rescues, while welcome, also highlight the scale of the challenge. The Igabi incident in Kaduna State, where victims were held for nearly a week before being rescued, illustrates the vulnerability of rural communities to abduction. The Dandume attack in Katsina, occurring along a major road, underscores the risks faced by travellers in a region where highways have become hunting grounds for armed groups. The recovery of a vehicle in the Katsina operation indicates that the victims were intercepted while in transit, a common tactic used by bandits who block roads and abduct passengers for ransom.

For the families of the six rescued individuals, Thursday's operations brought relief and reunion. For the military, they represent a continuation of a difficult but necessary campaign. The Army has consistently stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging residents to provide timely and credible information that can aid in the rescue of victims and the apprehension of perpetrators. The rescues also serve as a reminder that while the military can disrupt kidnap operations and rescue victims, the broader fight against insecurity requires a comprehensive approach addressing the root causes of the violence, including poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and the proliferation of small arms.

The Joint Task Force's message is clear: the pressure on terrorists and kidnappers will be sustained. The operations in Kaduna and Katsina are part of a larger effort to deny criminal elements the freedom of movement and action they have long exploited. Whether these successes will translate into a lasting reduction in kidnappings across the North-West remains to be seen. For now, six Nigerians are home with their families, and the troops who rescued them have sent a message that the fight continues.

The Army has urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency. "The Joint Task Force appreciates members of the public for their continued support and urges them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency," the statement read. In a region where trust between communities and security forces has often been frayed, such cooperation is essential. The rescue of six victims in one day is a victory, but the war is far from over.

📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews