By Jelili Gbadamosi
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued seven people kidnapped by armed attackers in Katsina State, including six female students of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma.
The victims were rescued along the Daye–Malumfashi Road in Danmusa Local Government Area following an attack on a commercial vehicle travelling from Kaduna to Katsina.
The Nigerian Army said the rescue operation followed a distress call received on the evening of September 21, 2026, reporting the attack on the vehicle.
According to the Army, troops from Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma responded promptly to the distress call, forcing the attackers to abandon their victims and flee.
The rescued victims comprised six female students of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, and a male commercial driver.
The Army said all seven victims were rescued unhurt and subsequently subjected to security screening and provided with medical attention.
They were later handed over to the relevant authorities for reunification with their families and school authorities.
The rescue comes as troops under the same operation also thwarted an alleged terrorist attack in Sokoto State and recovered a large number of cattle reportedly rustled from residents.
The Army said troops intercepted the fleeing attackers along the Tambuwal–Gadaichi–Gummi Road after receiving intelligence about the activities of armed terrorists in Asarara Kaura community, Kebbe Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly engaged the troops in a gun battle before fleeing into nearby bushes, abandoning the cattle.
The recovered livestock remain in military custody pending arrangements to return them to their owners.
The Nigerian Army said the operations underscore its ongoing efforts to protect civilians, safeguard livelihoods and disrupt criminal activities in affected communities.
