Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 27 people abducted by suspected terrorists in Katsina State, including a six-month-old baby, following a gun battle with the kidnappers in Sabuwa Local Government Area.

The rescue operation was carried out on Friday, October 16, 2026, by soldiers of the 17 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YANMA, after the military received reports of suspected terrorist activity in Gamji community.

Security sources cited by Zagazola Makama said troops received a distress call from the community at about 12:25 pm and immediately moved towards the affected area.

However, the soldiers reportedly arrived after the suspected terrorists had fled into nearby bushes with the abducted residents, prompting the troops to launch a pursuit.

The soldiers tracked the fleeing suspects through Gangare Village towards Kamba Village, where they reportedly caught up with them at approximately 6:05 pm.

According to the security sources, the troops engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, using superior firepower that forced them to abandon the captives and escape into the surrounding bushes.

Following the encounter, the soldiers searched the area and recovered all 27 abductees, comprising 15 males and 12 females, including the six-month-old infant.

The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the Gamji village head, Alhaji Falalu Suleiman, after preliminary investigations, the sources said.

No soldier was reported killed or injured during the operation. However, the number of suspected terrorists killed or wounded in the exchange of gunfire was not immediately established.

The military has continued patrols across the area to prevent further attacks, restrict the movement of suspected terrorists and protect residents from additional threats.

The rescue comes amid persistent security concerns across north-western Nigeria, where communities in several states have faced kidnappings, armed attacks and other forms of violence attributed to criminal gangs and suspected terrorist groups.

The latest operation highlights the role of timely information from residents and rapid military deployment in efforts to rescue abducted people and disrupt criminal activity.

Although all 27 victims were reportedly recovered, further details about their condition and whether any suspects were subsequently arrested were not provided in the initial account.