Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected terrorists, including a reported terrorist kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi States.

The military operations were carried out on September 14 and 15, 2026, as troops intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and rescue civilians abducted from vulnerable communities.

The Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Danja said troops of Sector 2 were deployed to Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on September 14 following intelligence reports that terrorists had abducted residents of Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities.

According to him, the troops immediately launched a pursuit of the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle.

The confrontation forced the terrorists to flee, allowing the troops to rescue 10 victims, comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.

The rescued victims were subsequently taken into military custody for further processing and necessary assistance.

In Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call following the reported abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

Danja said the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they encountered the terrorists and engaged them in a heavy exchange of gunfire.

The military said the terrorists were forced to withdraw in disarray.

A subsequent search operation in the area led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, troops operating in Katsina State acted on intelligence regarding plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas.

The troops subsequently launched an operation against a suspected terrorist hideout on September 15, resulting in the deaths of two suspected terrorists.

One of those reportedly killed was identified by the military as Abbah Alhassan, described as a known terrorist kingpin.

The troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp during the operation.

The military also reported the arrest of two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Danja said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were allegedly associated with a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.

The suspects remain in military custody and are expected to undergo further investigation.

The latest operations form part of ongoing military efforts under Operation Fansan Yamma to combat terrorism and kidnapping across the North-West, disrupt criminal networks and secure communities affected by insecurity.