Troops Rescue 31 Kidnap Victims, Kill Suspected Terrorist Kingpin in Katsina and Kebbi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed two suspected terrorists, including a man identified by the military as a terrorist kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi States. The operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, according to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja. In Katsina State, troops responded to reports that civilians had been abducted from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area. The troops reportedly launched a pursuit and engaged the attackers in a gun battle. The operation resulted in the rescue of 10 victims — three males and seven females, including an infant. The rescued victims were taken into military custody for further action. In a separate operation in Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area. According to the military, troops acting on intelligence moved towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of gunfire. The attackers reportedly withdrew, after which troops searched the area and rescued 21 kidnapped victims. The victims were subsequently reunited with their families. The military also reported another operation in Katsina on September 15 after receiving intelligence about an alleged plan by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas. Troops moved towards the suspected hideout and engaged the terrorists. According to the Joint Task Force, two terrorists were killed during the encounter, including Abbah Alhassan, whom the military described as a known terrorist kingpin. Other members of the group reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush. Troops recovered ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing, a cutlass and other items from the area. The military also announced the arrest of two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State. Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspects were associated with another suspected terrorist kingpin identified by the military as Mannori. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. The Joint Task Force said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to rescue kidnapped civilians, disrupt terrorist networks and prevent further attacks across the North-West. The military also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Note: Claims concerning the identities and activities of suspected terrorists in this report are based on statements from the military and remain subject to further investigation.