Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted a suspected terrorist attack and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Kaduna and Katsina States. The operations, conducted between September 23 and 25, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and the arrest of four suspects, including three alleged terrorist logistics couriers. 

In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1, acting on intelligence about terrorist movements through the bushes of Rijana in Kachia Local Government Area, laid an ambush on September 23 and engaged the terrorists. The assailants reportedly fled, while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition, a magazine carrier and a military jungle hat. In a separate operation in Awom village, troops also arrested a suspect identified as Jacob, who was allegedly found with a locally fabricated pistol and seven rounds of ammunition.

In Katsina State, troops intercepted three suspected terrorist logistics couriers travelling on a motorcycle in Faskari Local Government Area. The military said preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were allegedly conveying ₦2.7 million, suspected to be ransom money, along with three mobile phones for onward transfer to a terrorist kingpin through intermediaries. On September 25, troops also engaged terrorists in Faskari, forcing them to flee and recovering another AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

Later that day, troops on routine patrol in Faskari intercepted and rescued 14 kidnapped victims — 12 males and two females. The victims were reportedly abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages and abandoned by their captors after the terrorists sighted the advancing troops. The victims were subsequently handed over to the Faskari Local Government authorities for further assistance.