MILITARY RESCUE SIX KIDNAP VICTIMS AFTER GUN BATTLE WITH TERRORISTS IN KEBBI

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued six people who were reportedly held captive by suspected terrorists in Kebbi State following a military intervention in the Wasagu area.

The rescue operation took place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, after troops received credible intelligence concerning the presence of suspected terrorists around Mehinua Village along the Wasagu-Ayu Road in Wasagu Local Government Area of the state. Acting on the information, the troops were quickly deployed to the area to locate the criminals and secure the victims.

According to the military, the troops encountered the suspected terrorists at the location and engaged them in a gun battle. The intensity of the military response reportedly forced the attackers to abandon the captives and retreat from the area in an attempt to evade the advancing troops.

The six kidnapped victims were subsequently recovered by the soldiers. The military said all six victims were rescued unharmed following the encounter, bringing an end to their ordeal in captivity.

After the operation, the rescued individuals and the vehicle involved were handed over to the relevant community authorities for further necessary action. The authorities are expected to assist with the victims' welfare and other procedures following their recovery.

The military described the operation as another indication of the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect communities and prevent criminal and terrorist groups from operating freely within the North-West. The task force said its troops would continue to maintain pressure on criminal elements operating across its area of responsibility.

The latest rescue comes amid sustained military operations across Kebbi and other North-Western states, where security forces have continued to conduct patrols, intelligence-led operations and search-and-rescue missions aimed at disrupting kidnapping and terrorist activities.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA also called on residents to remain vigilant and maintain cooperation with security agencies. The task force urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements and activities in their communities to the nearest security formation so that troops can respond before threats escalate.

The military's latest operation is expected to provide security agencies with additional information that could assist efforts to identify and track the suspected terrorists who fled during the confrontation. Further operations may follow as troops work to prevent the group from regrouping or carrying out additional attacks in the area.