Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics couriers and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The military said the suspects were arrested on September 24, 2026, after troops of Sector 2 intercepted them while travelling on a motorcycle in the area.
According to a statement by the JTF Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were transporting ₦2.7 million suspected to be ransom money, alongside three mobile phones.
The money was allegedly being conveyed for onward transfer to a terrorist kingpin through intermediaries in the area.
The suspects and recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation on September 25, troops acting on credible intelligence about terrorist movements in Faskari established an ambush and engaged the terrorists.
The terrorists reportedly fled in disarray, while troops subsequently recovered an AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle from the area.
Similarly, on the same day, troops on routine patrol intercepted and rescued 14 kidnapped victims comprising 12 males and two females.
The victims were said to have been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages in Faskari Local Government Area.
The military said the terrorists abandoned the victims after sighting the advancing troops, who subsequently rescued them and handed them over to the Faskari Local Government authorities for further action.
The Theatre Command said the operations underscored its commitment to protecting lives and property, rescuing persons held in terrorist captivity and restricting the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
The command commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
