Troops rescue 27 kidnap victims including six-month-old baby in Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 27 people abducted by suspected terrorists in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, including a six-month-old baby, after engaging the kidnappers in a gunfight.

The victims were rescued on Friday, October 16, 2026, by soldiers of the 17 Brigade operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA, following reports of suspected terrorist activities in Gamji community.

Security sources cited by Zagazola Makama said the military received a distress call from the community at about 12:25 pm and promptly deployed troops to the area.

However, the soldiers arrived to find that the suspected terrorists had already fled into nearby bushes with the abducted residents.

The troops launched a pursuit, tracking the fleeing suspects through Gangare Village towards Kamba Village, where they caught up with them at approximately 6:05 pm.

“The soldiers engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee in disarray into the surrounding bushes,” the sources said.

Following the encounter, the troops combed the area and recovered all 27 abductees, comprising 15 males and 12 females, including the infant.

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

According to the sources, no soldier was killed or injured during the operation, although the number of casualties among the fleeing suspects could not be established.

The military has sustained patrols across the area to deter further attacks, restrict the movement of suspected terrorists and protect local communities.

The operation highlights the importance of prompt information from residents and swift military action in efforts to curb kidnapping and insecurity across Nigeria’s North-West.