Troops rescued 27 kidnap victims, foiled fresh abduction attempts, and recovered rustled livestock and motorcycles during coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The operations, which took place between July 20 and 21, 2026, also disrupted terrorist activity in portions of Sokoto State and along the Gummi-Sokoto Highway.
Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the military achieved these in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, on July 20, troops from the forward operating bases in Shagari and Sifawa responded to indications of terrorist activity in the Wanke and Kaura communities of Sokoto State’s Shagari Local Government Area based on credible intelligence.
The army engaged terrorists in a gun battle in Kaura, forcing them to retreat under intense military firepower.
Danja reported that the operation resulted in the rescue of six abduction victims, as well as the recovery of rustled livestock and two motorcycles.
He said, “Troops made contact with the terrorists in the 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.”
On the same day, troops patrolling in Gandi collaborated with the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps to rescue ten kidnapped victims who had escaped their captors.
The victims, who included men, women, and children, were discovered roaming in the bush near Badanma village in Rabah Local Government Area before being handed over to community elders and reunited with their relatives.
On July 21, troops from Combat Team 12 responded quickly to a distress call after terrorists stopped the Gummi-Sokoto highway in an attempt to kidnap motorists.
The troops confronted and followed the attackers, successfully freeing 11 kidnap victims and recovering one motorcycle.
Applauding 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 urged 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 theater,” he added.
