Troops rescue 27 kidnap victim including six-month-old baby in Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, including a six-month-old infant, following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation was conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade under the Joint Task Force (North West) after receiving a distress call from residents of Gamji community at about 12:25 p.m. on October 16, 2026, reporting the activities of suspected terrorists in the area.

Security sources said the troops immediately mobilised to the community but the suspected terrorists had fled into the surrounding bushes with their captives before the soldiers arrived.

The troops subsequently launched a pursuit through Gangare Village towards Kamba Village, where they made contact with the fleeing suspects at about 6:05 p.m.

The soldiers engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee in disarray into the surrounding bushes.

A subsequent search of the area led to the successful rescue of all 27 victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females, including the six-month-old infant.

The rescued victims were later handed over to the village head of Gamji, Alhaji Falalu Suleiman, following preliminary investigations.

The sources said no casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation, while the casualty status of the suspected terrorists remained unconfirmed.

They added that troops had continued aggressive patrols across the general area to prevent further criminal activities, deny the suspected terrorists freedom of action and enhance the safety of residents.