Troops Neutralise Terrorist Kingpin, Arrest Two Suspects in Katsina

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have reported the neutralisation of two terrorists, including a suspected kingpin identified as Abbah Alhassan, during operations conducted in Katsina and Kebbi states. The operations were carried out between September 14 and 15, 2026, according to a statement by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

The military said the troops acted on credible intelligence concerning terrorist activity and moved towards an identified location. According to the task force, the troops engaged the group, resulting in the deaths of two terrorists, while others reportedly fled into surrounding areas. The military identified Abbah Alhassan as a known terrorist kingpin. These claims are those of the military and remain part of its operational account.

In a separate operation in Katsina State, troops reportedly arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area. The task force said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were allegedly associated with another suspected terrorist kingpin known as Mannori. The two suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.

The wider operations also resulted in the rescue of 31 people who had reportedly been kidnapped in Katsina and Kebbi states. The task force said troops recovered several items during the operations and continued efforts to disrupt terrorist and kidnapping activities across its area of responsibility.

Operation Fansan Yamma said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to rescue kidnapped civilians, disrupt terrorist networks and improve security across the North-West. The task force commended members of the public for their cooperation and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities.