NIGERIA: Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover 110 Rustled Cattle In North West Operations

By Onoja Baba

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across the North West, neutralising two terrorists, rescuing a kidnapped victim, arresting eight suspected collaborators and recovering 110 rustled cattle during coordinated operations conducted between June 27 and 28, 2026.

In Kaduna State, troops, supported by members of the Vigilante Group, engaged terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles in Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas, rescuing one victim alive while recovering the body of another who had been killed by the assailants.

The troops also responded to an attack on Dariya Village in Giwa LGA, where one civilian was killed and three others injured before security forces arrived.

During the ensuing pursuit, two terrorists were killed, while a motorcycle, ammunition, charms and other items were recovered.

In separate intelligence led operations, troops arrested two suspected terrorist medical collaborators in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and six other suspected logistics facilitators in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a firefight with fleeing terrorists.

On Sunday, troops working with local vigilantes also recovered 110 rustled cattle after mounting an ambush along the escape route of cattle rustlers in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, forcing the suspects to abandon the livestock, which were subsequently returned to their owners.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and neighbouring states, said it remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal groups while urging members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.