Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 27 kidnapped residents, including a six-month-old baby, following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females, were rescued on Friday, October 16, 2026, by soldiers of the 17 Brigade deployed under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the operation followed a distress call from residents of Gamji community at about 12:25 p.m., reporting suspected terrorist activities in the area.
When the troops arrived, they discovered that the suspected attackers had fled into nearby bushes with the abducted residents.
The soldiers immediately launched a pursuit, tracking the fleeing gunmen through Gangare Village towards Kamba Village.
At about 6:05 p.m., the troops reportedly caught up with the suspects, triggering an exchange of gunfire. The sources said the soldiers’ superior firepower forced the gunmen to abandon the captives and flee into the surrounding bushes.
The troops subsequently searched the area and recovered all 27 victims, including the six-month-old infant.
Following preliminary investigations, the rescued residents were handed over to the Gamji village head, Alhaji Falalu Suleiman.
The sources added that no soldier was killed or injured during the operation, while the number of casualties among the fleeing suspects remained unknown.
Military personnel have continued patrols across the area to prevent further attacks, restrict the movement of suspected terrorists and improve the protection of residents.
The rescue comes amid persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups have continued to target rural communities with kidnappings and attacks.
The operation highlights the role of timely intelligence from local residents and rapid military response in efforts to rescue abducted persons and tackle insecurity.