Troops Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims, Foil Abduction Attempts in Katsina and Zamfara

Troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded renewed operational successes in Nigeria’s North-West region, rescuing seven kidnapped persons and disrupting coordinated abduction attempts in Katsina and Zamfara States.

The operations, conducted on 16 June 2026, form part of ongoing counter-terrorism and search-and-rescue efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring security across affected communities.

In Katsina State, troops under Operation CLEAN SWEEP 3 carried out a targeted offensive against suspected terrorist positions in Fafu Village, Matazu Local Government Area. The operation, designed to sustain pressure on armed groups operating in the area, led to the dislodgement of the criminals from their hideout.

Following the clearance operation, four kidnapped victims were rescued from the location. The victims have since been evacuated and are receiving medical attention for injuries sustained during their captivity.

In a separate development in Zamfara State, troops successfully foiled an attempted abduction in Zurmi town, Zurmi Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence and distress alerts, the forces swiftly engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to retreat.

Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the rescue of three additional victims who had been abducted during the attack.

Military authorities described the coordinated operations as part of sustained efforts to deny terrorist and bandit elements freedom of action while ensuring the protection of lives and property in the region.

They reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to continuous offensive operations until lasting peace and stability are restored across the North-West.

Benita Ibrahim