Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, thwarted multiple abduction attempts and recovered livestock and motorcycles during coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The Joint Task Force (North West) disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the operations were part of sustained offensives against terrorist groups across the North West.
According to the statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of the Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa acted on credible intelligence on 20 July and deployed to Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State following reports of terrorist activities.
The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists at Kaura community with superior firepower, forcing them to flee. During the operation, six kidnapped victims were rescued, while livestock and two motorcycles were recovered. The victims were later reunited with their families.
In a related operation on the same day, troops operating in 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 rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, were handed over to community leaders before being reunited with their families.
On 21 July, troops of Combat Team 12 responded to a distress call along the Gummi–Sokoto road after terrorists reportedly blocked the highway in an attempt to abduct commuters.
The troops swiftly engaged the attackers and pursued them, successfully rescuing 11 kidnapped persons and recovering one motorcycle.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response, noting that their actions ensured the safe rescue of the victims and frustrated the terrorists’ plans.
It also appreciated members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies as ongoing operations target terrorist and criminal networks across the theatre.
