Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims during separate military operations in Katsina and Kebbi states, the military said on Wednesday.

The operations also resulted in the killing of two suspected terrorists, including Abbah Alhassan, whom the military described as a known terrorist kingpin, as well as the arrest of two other suspects.

The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026.

According to Danja, troops of Sector 2 were deployed to Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State on September 14 after receiving reports that residents of Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities had been abducted.

He said the troops pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the armed group to retreat.

The operation led to the rescue of 10 people, comprising three males and seven females, including an infant, the military said.

The rescued victims were taken into military custody for further action.

On the same day, troops operating in Kebbi State responded to another report of civilians being abducted from Fafala Village.

The military said soldiers conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they encountered the suspected terrorists and engaged them in an exchange of gunfire.

The armed group was forced to withdraw, after which troops searched the area and rescued 21 abducted people.

The 21 victims were subsequently reunited with their families, according to the military statement.

A separate operation was carried out in Katsina on September 15 after troops received intelligence about an alleged plan by armed groups to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.

Danja said troops moved towards the suspected hideout and engaged the group, killing two suspected terrorists.

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

Verita Post has not independently verified Alhassan's alleged role or status within the armed group.

Other suspects reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush during the encounter.

The military said troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and suspected Indian hemp, among other items, from the location.

Two other suspected terrorists were arrested later on September 15 in the Yantumaki area of Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State.

According to the military, preliminary questioning allegedly linked the suspects to another suspected terrorist leader known as Mannori.

The two men remain in military custody for further investigation. Their arrest does not amount to proof of guilt.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the operations formed part of continuing efforts to disrupt kidnapping and terrorist networks across Nigeria's North-West.

The task force also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.