SOLDIERS RESCUE 27 KIDNAP VICTIMS, FOIL ABDUCTION ATTEMPTS IN SOKOTO, ZAMFARA

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnap victims, foiled fresh abduction attempts and recovered rustled livestock and motorcycles during coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The operations, conducted between July 20 and 21, 2026, also disrupted terrorist activities in parts of Sokoto State and along the Gummi–Sokoto highway.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the statement, troops from the Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa, acting on credible intelligence, responded to reports of terrorist activities in Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State on July 20.

The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle in Kaura community, forcing them to flee under intense military firepower.

Danja said the operation led to the rescue of six kidnap victims, while rustled livestock and two motorcycles were also recovered.

He said, “Troops made contact with the terrorists in Kaura community and engaged them with superior firepower, compelling the criminals to flee in disarray.

“Six kidnap victims were rescued in the operation, alongside the recovery of livestock and two motorcycles. The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.”

In a separate operation on the same day, troops operating in Gandi, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnap victims who had escaped from their captors.

The victims, comprising men, women and children, were found wandering in the bush around Badanma community in Rabah Local Government Area before being handed over to community leaders and reunited with their families.

On July 21, troops of Combat Team 12 swiftly responded to a distress call after terrorists blocked the Gummi–Sokoto highway in an attempt to abduct commuters.

The troops engaged the attackers and pursued them, successfully rescuing 11 kidnap victims and recovering one motorcycle.

Commending the troops for the successful operations, Danja praised their professionalism and commitment to protecting lives.

He said, “The Theatre Command commends the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response in securing the safe rescue of the victims.”

He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

“We appreciate members of the public for their sustained support and prompt provision of credible information, and urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies as ongoing operations progressively degrade terrorist and criminal networks across the theatre,” he added.

The latest successes come amid sustained military offensives under Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across Nigeria’s North-West region.