Troops arrest suspected terrorist, rescue nine kidnap victims in Katsina

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have arrested a suspected terrorist and rescued nine abducted victims in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
In a statement on Friday, the operation’s spokesperson, Aliyu Danja, said troops also recovered 56 rustled livestock during a separate intelligence-led operation across the theatre.
He said troops of Sector 2, while on a fighting patrol, rescued the nine victims three women, four men and two children in Faskari Local Government Area.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted by terrorists on 9 July 2026 along the Tsafe Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State,” Mr Danja said.
He said the victims told troops they escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued.
According to him, the victims are in safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families.
In another operation, troops responded to an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock in the Bakori area of the state.
“On sighting the troops, the terrorists opened fire but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops and fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and fifty-two sheep,” he said.
He added that the recovered livestock are in the custody of the troops pending their handover to the appropriate local authorities.
The statement also said troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.
Mr Danja said preliminary examination of items recovered from the suspect indicated possible links to terrorist activities.
He added that the suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.
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