Insecurity: Troops rescue kidnap victim, recover 126 rustled livestock in Katsina

Gallant troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued a kidnapped victim, arrested suspects in coordinated raids and recovered 126 rustled livestock in separate operations in Katsina State.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday by the Media and Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, “In the early hours of 26 July 2026, troops, working with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, responded to a distress call at Karkata Village, Charanchi Local Government Area.

“The soldiers engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their victim.”

It stated that the rescued woman was safely reunited with her family.

The statement further disclosed that, in a separate operation, troops partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct raids in Wagin, Tundu Mobi and Chadawaki in Batsari Local Government Area.

It stated that the operation led to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of a locally fabricated weapon and five cartridges. The suspects and the recovered exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

According to the statement, “Acting on credible intelligence, troops laid an ambush at Yankwani Village, Bakori Local Government Area, targeting terrorists attempting to move stolen livestock.”

It added that, under sustained pressure, the criminals fled and abandoned 126 animals, comprising 83 cows and 43 sheep.

The statement further noted that the livestock had been handed over to the Bakori Peace Keeping Committee for identification and return to their rightful owners.

It added that the Theatre Commander of JTF North West commended the gallantry and vigilance of the troops and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists in the region.