Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued six kidnap victims in Katsina State after terrorists reportedly abandoned them while escaping from an ongoing military offensive.
The rescue happened during a clearance operation carried out by troops of the 17 Brigade under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Unguwan Doka, Faskari Local Government Area.
The victims were found after sustained military pressure forced the terrorists to flee from their hideouts.
Those rescued include four women and two children. They were identified as Umaima Isiaku, 30, Amina Isiaku, 25, Fatima Saidu, 22, Huzaima Nasiru, 16, one-year-old Usman Surajo, and 18-month-old Dauda Isiaku.
Security sources said the victims had been held captive for several months before regaining freedom during the latest military operation.
During initial questioning, the victims told troops they were abducted by armed terrorists on March 11, 2026, along the Tsafe-Bilbis Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
They explained that all of them are from Bilbis village and had remained in captivity for over three months.
According to the victims, their captors fled in panic after troops intensified operations in the area, leaving them behind.
Military authorities said the rescue forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to weaken terrorist networks and flush out criminal elements operating across the North-West.
The operation is one of several recent offensives targeting terrorist enclaves, especially in areas affected by persistent attacks, kidnappings, and banditry.
Security operatives say coordinated offensives in Katsina, Zamfara, and neighbouring states have continued to put pressure on armed groups responsible for attacks in the region.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and humanitarian support. Authorities have also begun efforts to reunite them with their families.