Nigerian Army troops have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed two terrorists, including a suspected kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.

The operations were carried out on September 14 and 15 by troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The military also arrested two suspected terrorists in Katsina State.

10 victims rescued in Katsina

According to the military, troops were deployed to Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on September 14 after receiving reports that terrorists had abducted civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities.

The troops launched a pursuit and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

The terrorists reportedly fled the area, allowing the soldiers to rescue 10 victims.

The rescued group comprised three males and seven females, including an infant.

21 kidnapped victims rescued in Kebbi

On the same day, troops operating in Kebbi State responded to a distress call over the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

Acting on intelligence, the soldiers conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa.

They subsequently engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of gunfire.

The attackers were forced to withdraw, after which the troops searched the area and rescued 21 kidnapped victims.

The victims were later reunited with their families.

Terrorist kingpin killed

The military recorded another operation in Katsina on September 15 after receiving intelligence about plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.

Troops moved towards a suspected hideout and engaged the terrorists.

Two terrorists were killed during the operation.

The military identified one of those killed as Abbah Alhassan, whom it described as a known terrorist kingpin.

Other members of the group reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.

Troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and other items from the hideout.

Two suspects arrested

The military also announced the arrest of two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki area of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Preliminary interrogation, according to the Joint Task Force, indicated that the suspects were associated with another terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.

The suspects remain in military custody as investigations continue.

The latest operations come amid continued security challenges involving kidnapping and terrorism across parts of Nigeria’s North-West.

The military said the operations were aimed at rescuing victims, disrupting terrorist networks and restricting the movement of armed groups in the region.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.