Terrorist Kingpin Abbah Alhassan Killed as Troops Rescue 31 Victims

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected terrorists, including a reported kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states. The Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026. In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 were deployed to Funtua Local Government Area following reports that terrorists had abducted civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities. The troops reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle during a hot pursuit, forcing them to flee and leading to the rescue of 10 victims, comprising three males and seven females, including an infant. In Kebbi, troops responded to a distress call over an abduction in Fafala Village, Kangiwa Local Government Area, and engaged terrorists during a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa. The operation led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were subsequently reunited with their families.

The task force recorded another operation in Katsina on September 15 after receiving intelligence about plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas. Troops mobilised to the suspected hideout and engaged the group, killing two terrorists, including Abbah Alhassan, whom the military identified as a known terrorist kingpin. Other members of the group reportedly fled into the surrounding bush, while troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other items. Separately, troops arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area. According to Danja, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were allegedly associated with a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori. The suspects remain in military custody for further investigation as the task force continues operations aimed at rescuing victims, disrupting terrorist networks and limiting the activities of armed groups across the North-West. The JTF also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

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