Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, thwarted multiple abduction attempts and recovered rustled livestock and motorcycles during coordinated military operations carried out across Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The operations, which took place between July 20 and July 21, 2026, also disrupted the activities of suspected terrorists in several communities in Sokoto State and along the Gummi–Sokoto highway.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Shagari and Sifawa launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists in Wanke and Kaura communities within Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops confronted the armed criminals in Kaura community, where a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued.
Faced with what the military described as overwhelming firepower, the attackers reportedly abandoned their mission and fled the area.
The operation resulted in the rescue of six kidnapped victims, while troops also recovered rustled livestock and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists.
Danja said, “Troops made contact with the terrorists in Kaura community 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. The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.”
In another operation conducted on the same day, troops deployed in Gandi, working jointly with personnel of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnapped victims who had escaped from their abductors.
The victims, comprising men, women and children, were discovered wandering through the bush around Badanma community in Rabah Local Government Area before they were safely evacuated.
After preliminary assessments, the rescued victims were handed over to community leaders and reunited with their families.
The military also recorded another success on July 21 when troops of Combat Team 12 responded to an emergency alert indicating that terrorists had blocked the Gummi–Sokoto highway in an attempt to kidnap unsuspecting travellers.
The troops immediately mobilised to the location, engaged the gunmen and pursued them into nearby areas.
The operation led to the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims, while one motorcycle was recovered from the fleeing suspects.
Commending the troops for the successful missions, Danja praised their courage, vigilance and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“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 acknowledged the role of local communities in supporting military operations by providing timely intelligence.
“We appreciate members of the public for their sustained support and prompt provision of credible information, and urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies as ongoing operations progressively degrade terrorist and criminal networks across the theatre,” he added.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has continued to intensify offensive operations across the North-West as part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks, rescue kidnapped victims and restore security in communities affected by violent criminal activities.
