Nigerian troops rescue 14 hostages and recover two rifles in northwest operations

Troops conducting operations in Kaduna and Katsina States have rescued 14 kidnapped people, recovered two AK-47 rifles and arrested four suspects, according to Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, media officer for Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The operations took place between September 23 and 25, 2026, as part of the Joint Task Force North West’s efforts against terrorist activity. In Kaduna State, troops acting on intelligence about the movement of armed men through the bushes around Rijana in Kachia Local Government Area laid an ambush on September 23. The suspected terrorists fled after an encounter.

A search of the area produced an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition, a magazine carrier and a military jungle hat. In nearby Awom village, troops arrested a suspect identified as Jacob, who was allegedly found with a locally made pistol and seven rounds of ammunition. In Katsina, troops intercepted three suspected logistics couriers travelling by motorcycle in Faskari Local Government Area on September 24.

The military said preliminary questioning indicated that they were carrying ₦2.7 million, suspected to be ransom money, and three mobile phones for transfer to a terrorist kingpin through intermediaries. The suspects and items were taken into custody for investigation. Troops also ambushed suspected terrorists in Faskari on September 25, forcing them to flee.

A subsequent search recovered another AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle. During a separate patrol that day, troops rescued 14 people—12 males and two females—who had reportedly been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages. The military said the captives had been abandoned after their captors saw the advancing troops.

They were handed to Faskari Local Government authorities. The command praised the troops and urged residents to provide credible information about suspicious movements and activities.