Nigerian Army Rescues 27 Kidnap Victims, Including Six-Month-Old Baby, In Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating 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.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the rescue operation was carried out by troops of the 17 Brigade under the Joint Task Force (North West) after they received a distress call from residents of Gamji community at about 12:25 p.m. on October 16, 2026, reporting the presence of suspected terrorists.

Security sources said the soldiers immediately mobilised to the community but arrived after the suspects had fled into nearby bushes with their captives.

The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing suspects through Gangare Village towards Kamba Village, where they reportedly made contact with them at approximately 6:05 p.m.

A gun battle ensued, with the soldiers deploying superior firepower against the suspected terrorists. The suspects were reportedly forced to abandon the captives before fleeing into the surrounding bushes.

Following the encounter, the troops searched the area and successfully rescued all 27 victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females. A six-month-old baby was among those freed.

The rescued individuals were subsequently handed over to the village head of Gamji, Alhaji Falalu Suleiman, after preliminary investigations.

According to the security sources, no casualties were recorded among the soldiers during the operation, while the number of casualties, if any, among the suspected terrorists remained unknown.

The Army has continued patrols across the area to prevent further attacks, restrict the movement of suspected terrorists and improve security for residents.

The operation represents another effort by security forces to rescue abducted persons and combat suspected terrorist activities in Katsina State and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West region.