Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, foiled fresh abduction attempts and recovered rustled livestock and motorcycles during coordinated operations across Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The operations, conducted between Monday and Tuesday, dealt a significant blow to criminal groups operating in the North-West, with all rescued victims safely reunited with their families.
According to military sources, troops from the Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa acted on credible intelligence on the activities of suspected bandits in Wanke and Kaura communities of Shagari Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
During the operation in Kaura, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee under sustained military pressure. Six kidnapped victims were rescued, while rustled livestock and two motorcycles were recovered.
In a separate operation, troops, working alongside operatives of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 victims who had escaped from captivity and were found around Badanma community in Rabah Local Government Area of the state. The victims, comprising men, women and children, were later reunited with their families.
On Tuesday, troops of Combat Team 12 responded to reports that armed bandits had blocked the Gummi–Sokoto Highway in Zamfara State in an attempt to abduct commuters. The soldiers swiftly confronted the attackers, chased them from the area and rescued 11 victims. A motorcycle was also recovered during the operation.
Confirming the operations in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops acted promptly on intelligence reports and distress calls, frustrating the criminals’ plans and securing the victims’ freedom.
“Troops made contact with the terrorists 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,” Danja said.
He added that the successful operations underscored the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-West.
Commending the troops, Danja praised their vigilance, professionalism and swift response in rescuing the victims and disrupting criminal activities.
“The Theatre Command commends the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response in securing the safe rescue of the victims,” he said.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.
“We appreciate members of the public for their sustained support and prompt provision of credible information. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies as ongoing operations progressively degrade terrorist and criminal networks across the theatre,” Danja added.