Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, prevented fresh abduction attempts, and recovered stolen livestock and motorcycles during a series of coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The military operations, carried out between July 20 and 21, 2026, also disrupted the activities of suspected terrorists in parts of Sokoto State and along the Gummi–Sokoto highway.
The Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, confirmed the development through a statement issued by its Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops from the Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa acted on credible intelligence regarding terrorist activities in Wanke and Kaura communities of Shagari Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
During the operation, the troops engaged the armed criminals in a gun battle, forcing them to flee after encountering superior military firepower.
The operation resulted in the rescue of six kidnapped victims, while security personnel also recovered rustled livestock and two motorcycles. The rescued victims were later reunited with their families.
In another operation conducted on the same day, troops stationed in Gandi, working alongside the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnap victims who had escaped from captivity.
The victims, including men, women, and children, were found around Badanma community in Rabah Local Government Area before being safely reunited with their families through community leaders.
On July 21, troops of Combat Team 12 responded to an emergency report after suspected terrorists blocked the Gummi–Sokoto highway in an attempt to abduct motorists.
The troops confronted the attackers, pursued them, and successfully rescued 11 additional kidnap victims while recovering one motorcycle during the operation.
The military command commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and prompt response in ensuring the safe rescue of the victims.
It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to assist ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits across the North-West.
The latest operations form part of the sustained military offensive under Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks operating in the region.
