Nigerian Troops Heroically Rescue Kidnapped Katsina Varsity Students and Driver
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Police, successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, including six female university students and their driver, along a Katsina State road. The swift intervention on September 21, 2026, forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives, who were all found unhurt. This rescue highlights ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities in the area.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), working with the Nigerian Police, have rescued seven kidnapped victims along the Daye-Malumfashi road in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The rescue took place at about 11:45 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, following a distress call reporting an attack on a commercial vehicle travelling from Kaduna to Katsina.
According to Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West OPFY, the victims were six female students of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, and a commercial driver identified as Sani Umar. The security forces intercepted a green Volkswagen Golf 3, with registration number Kano BCH-528ZY, which was carrying the victims.
The intervention forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee the area, allowing the troops and police to rescue all seven victims unhurt. The rescued students and driver subsequently underwent preliminary security profiling and medical evaluation as part of standard procedures.
Following the assessments, the victims were handed over to designated officials for onward reunification with their families and school authorities. The operation forms part of sustained security efforts along major routes in Katsina State, where security forces maintain heightened operational readiness against kidnapping and other criminal activities. Authorities continue to focus on preventing attacks along major transportation corridors and improving the safety of commuters in the state.