Nine people who were held hostage in a forest in Katsina State have regained their freedom in a dramatic turn of events.
The victims escaped after their abductors fell deep asleep inside their hideout.
The incident happened in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, one of the troubled spots in the North West.
According to security sources, the victims took advantage of the moment their captors dozed off and fled the terrorists camp.
They ran through the bush until they were found by soldiers on patrol.
The victims are made up of three women, four men and two children.
Preliminary findings show they were abducted on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The kidnappers had moved them across state lines and kept them in a forest enclave in Katsina.
Luck was on their side when the abductors fell asleep, giving them a chance to escape.
Shortly after their escape, troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 2, intercepted them during a fighting patrol.
The soldiers rescued them and moved them to a safe location.
Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the rescue was based on credible intelligence.
He explained that the victims told the troops how they escaped before help came.
"The victims disclosed that they escaped from the terrorists enclave after their captors fell asleep, before being intercepted and rescued by the troops," Danja said.
He added that the rescued victims are in safe custody and are being prepared to reunite with their families.
In the same series of operations, troops also recorded other successes in Katsina.
In Bakori Local Government Area, soldiers foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 56 animals, including four cattle and 52 sheep, after engaging the terrorists in a gun battle.
Another suspect linked to terrorist activities was arrested in Danmusa Local Government Area and is now in military custody for further investigation.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma has commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism.
He assured residents that the military will sustain intelligence-led operations with other security agencies to end banditry and kidnapping in the North West.
The rescue has brought relief to families who have been worried since the abduction along the Tsafe-Kuchere highway.
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