Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Foil Terrorist Attack in Zamfara, Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims and thwarted a planned terrorist operation in separate military engagements across Zamfara and Sokoto States.

The operations, carried out as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace in the North West, also led to the recovery of a high-calibre weapon, ammunition, motorcycles, military accoutrements and other operational items.

According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops rescued the victims on June 22, 2026, during a routine offensive patrol at Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The victims were reportedly abandoned by terrorists following sustained pressure from the troops. They were identified as 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu from Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and two other victims, 20-year-old Hafsat Ibrahim and 17-year-old Halira Usman, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The rescued women, who had spent about three months in captivity, were immediately evacuated for medical assessment and necessary support.

In a separate operation on June 23, 2026, troops of the 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The troops intercepted terrorists who were reportedly advancing to launch attacks on communities in the area. Upon sighting the military presence, the terrorists came under heavy fire and were forced to abandon their mission and flee.

Items recovered from the fleeing terrorists included one PKT machine gun, a cache of ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected to have been used for restraining captives, among other operational materials.

The Joint Task Force said the successful operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led military actions and the continued offensive posture of troops in denying terrorists freedom of movement and disrupting their criminal activities.

It added that the rescue of the victims and recovery of weapons further reflected the commitment, professionalism and vigilance of troops in protecting lives and property within their area of responsibility.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its determination to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements until lasting peace, security and normalcy are restored across the North West region.