Troops Rescue 27 Kidnap Victims, Foil Abduction Attempts in Sokoto, Zamfara

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, foiled multiple abduction attempts, and recovered livestock and motorcycles during a series of coordinated operations across Sokoto and Zamfara States.

The successful operations, carried out between July 20 and 21, underscore the military's sustained offensive against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria's North-West.

In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of the Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa acted on credible intelligence on July 20 and deployed to Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State following reports of terrorist activities.

According to the statement, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle at Kaura community, forcing the criminals to abandon their mission and flee under superior military firepower.

The operation led to the rescue of six kidnapped victims, while troops also recovered livestock and two motorcycles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists. The rescued victims were later reunited with their families.

In a related operation the same day, troops stationed at Gandi, in collaboration with the State Security Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnap victims who had escaped from their abductors and were found wandering in the bush around Badanma community in Gandi Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The victims, comprising men, women and children, were handed over to community leaders before being reunited with their families.

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

The troops engaged the attackers and pursued them, successfully rescuing 11 kidnapped persons and recovering one motorcycle during the operation.

Commending the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response, the Theatre Command described the operations as another significant step in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks across the North-West.

The command also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies as military operations intensify across the theatre.