Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 2 kidnapped civilians, recovered 94 rustled livestock and disrupted terrorist activities in separate operations in Kaduna and Kano States on 25 and 26 August 2026.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 on a clearance operation in Kachia Local Government Area on 25 August encountered terrorists who attempted to ambush them. The troops repelled the attack with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee. An exploitation of the area led to the recovery of a motorcycle abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Also on 25 August, the same sector responded to a distress call on the abduction of 3 civilians and the rustling of livestock around Hayin Babangida in Igabi LGA. Troops tracked and engaged the terrorists, rescuing 2 female victims who have since been reunited with their families. The third victim, a male, was found with gunshot wounds inflicted by the terrorists and died while being evacuated for medical attention.
In Kano State, troops responded to reports of terrorist activity in Gwarzo LGA where livestock had been rustled from a community. The troops pursued the criminals and engaged them as they attempted to escape. Overwhelmed, the terrorists fled and abandoned the animals. A follow-up exploitation on 26 August led to the recovery of additional livestock, bringing the total to 94 — comprising 57 cows and 37 sheep. The animals were handed over to their owners in the presence of security agencies and local government representatives.
According to the Joint Task Force, the operations reflect its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal elements while protecting lives and livelihoods across the North West. It said the campaign will continue through intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid response to threats against communities.
The Task Force, in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, on 27 August 2026, commended members of the public for their support and urged residents to remain vigilant. It called for timely and credible information on suspicious activities, stressing that public cooperation is vital to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace in the region.
