Nine people abducted by terrorists in Zamfara State have regained their freedom after escaping from their captors when the kidnappers reportedly fell asleep in their forest hideout.
The victims, who later encountered troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, were rescued during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescue was part of a series of intelligence-led operations that also led to the recovery of 56 rustled livestock and the arrest of a suspected terrorist in separate operations across Katsina State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.
According to him, troops of Sector 2 were conducting routine fighting patrols when they came across the nine victims, who had escaped from the terrorists’ camp after seizing an opportunity created when their abductors fell asleep.
The rescued victims comprised three women, four men and two children.
Danja said the victims had earlier been abducted on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the victims took advantage of the moment when their captors were asleep to flee from the forest hideout.
The victims reportedly trekked through the bush until they encountered troops carrying out security operations in the area.
“The victims—three women, four men and two children—were reportedly abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State,” Danja said.
He added that the rescued victims are currently in military custody, where they are receiving care and undergoing necessary documentation before they are reunited with their families.
“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing necessary procedures before being reunited with their families,” he added.
The successful rescue is the latest in a series of operations by Operation Fansan Yamma, a joint military task force established to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling across Nigeria’s North-West.
The North-West has remained one of the regions most affected by armed banditry, with criminal gangs frequently attacking rural communities, abducting travellers along highways and rustling livestock.
Many victims kidnapped in the region are often held in remote forests while ransom negotiations take place with their families.
Security agencies have continued to intensify military operations against criminal groups operating across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and parts of Kaduna and Niger states.
In another operation, troops acting on credible intelligence foiled an attempt by suspected terrorists to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to Danja, the terrorists opened fire on the advancing troops in an effort to resist the operation.
However, the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon the stolen animals and flee into nearby bushes.
Following the exchange, troops recovered a total of 56 rustled animals.
The recovered livestock included four cattle and 52 sheep.
Military authorities said the animals are currently being kept in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities after the necessary identification process.
Cattle rustling has become one of the major sources of funding for armed groups operating in parts of the North-West, with stolen livestock often sold in illegal markets to finance further criminal activities.
In a separate operation, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist during routine security patrols in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Danja said items recovered from the suspect during preliminary interrogation suggested possible links to terrorist activities.
Although he did not disclose the identity of the suspect or the specific items recovered, he said investigations are continuing.
“The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation,” he stated.
Military authorities said intelligence gathered from the suspect could assist ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist cells operating across the region.
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and commitment during the operations.
He praised the soldiers for maintaining pressure on criminal groups despite the difficult terrain and security challenges across the North-West.
According to him, the achievements recorded in the operations demonstrate the importance of intelligence gathering, coordinated military action and cooperation between security agencies.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to continue intelligence-driven operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening lives and property in the region.
The commander also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent attacks and facilitate the arrest of criminal suspects.
He noted that community cooperation remains essential to the success of military operations, especially in rural areas where criminal groups often establish camps inside forests.
Operation Fansan Yamma is one of several military operations launched by the Nigerian Armed Forces to tackle insecurity across the North-West. In recent months, troops have intensified offensives targeting bandit camps, rescued kidnapped victims, destroyed criminal hideouts and recovered arms, ammunition and stolen livestock.
Despite these gains, security challenges persist in many communities, particularly in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states, where attacks on villages, highways and farming communities continue to pose serious threats to residents.
The military has maintained that sustained offensive operations, improved intelligence sharing and stronger collaboration with local communities remain critical to ending terrorism, kidnapping and banditry in the region.