Troops Rescue Seven Kidnapped Victims, Recover Rustled Cattle In Katsina, Sokoto

Troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued seven kidnapped victims in Katsina State and recovered a large herd of rustled cattle in Sokoto State.

The Nigerian Army said troops from Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out the rescue along the Daye–Malumfashi Road in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

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The operation followed a distress call received on the evening of September 21, 2026, concerning an attack on a commercial vehicle travelling from Kaduna to Katsina.

According to the Army, the troops arrived promptly at the scene and forced the attackers to abandon their victims and flee.

“Seven victims, comprising six female students from the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, and one male commercial driver were rescued unhurt,” the Army said.

The rescued victims were later screened for security purposes and given medical attention before being handed over to the relevant authorities for reunification with their families and school authorities.

In Sokoto State, troops from the same sector also thwarted a terrorist attack and recovered a large number of cattle allegedly rustled from residents.

The Army said the operation followed credible intelligence that armed terrorists had entered Asarara Kaura community in Kebbe Local Government Area, where they were allegedly terrorising residents and stealing livestock.

Acting on the information, the troops moved quickly to prevent the terrorists from escaping with the cattle.

The soldiers later intercepted the fleeing attackers along the Tambuwal–Gadaichi–Gummi Road. The terrorists reportedly opened fire after sighting the troops, leading to a gun battle.

The Army said the troops overpowered the attackers through superior firepower and tactical action.

The terrorists reportedly fled into nearby bushes, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds, leaving the cattle behind.

“The successful intervention brought overwhelming relief and jubilation to the residents of the Asarara Kaura community and surrounding areas, who turned out in large numbers to applaud the troops for their bravery and prompt response in safeguarding their lives and livelihood,” the Army said.

The recovered cattle are currently being kept in military custody while arrangements are being made to return them to their rightful owners.