No fewer than nine kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after escaping from a terrorists’ hideout in Katsina State when their abductors reportedly fell asleep.
The victims were later rescued by troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, during an intelligence-led fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.
The military also recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist in separate operations across Katsina.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.
According to him, the rescued victims comprised three women, four men and two children who were abducted on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Danja said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims seized the opportunity to flee after their captors fell asleep inside the forest.
He said the escapees were intercepted by troops during a routine fighting patrol and immediately taken into protective custody.
“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing necessary procedures before being reunited with their families,” he said.
In another operation, Danja said troops acting on credible intelligence foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
He explained that the criminals opened fire on the troops but were forced to retreat into the bush after encountering superior military firepower.
The military recovered 56 rustled animals, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, during the operation.
According to the spokesman, the recovered livestock are being kept in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.
He added that troops also arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect, he said, suggested possible links to terrorist activities, while investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining pressure on terrorists and other criminal groups operating in the North-West.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and residents until terrorism and other violent crimes are decisively curtailed across the region.
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