Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, foiled fresh abduction attempts and recovered rustled livestock and motorcycles during coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The operations, carried out between July 20 and 21, 2026, also disrupted terrorist activities in parts of Sokoto State and along the Gummi–Sokoto highway.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the statement, troops from the Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa, acting on credible intelligence, responded to reports of terrorist activities in Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State on July 20.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle at Kaura community, forcing them to flee under sustained military firepower. The operation led to the rescue of six kidnapped victims, while rustled livestock and two motorcycles were recovered.
Danja said the rescued victims were reunited with their families after the operation.
In another operation on the same day, troops deployed to Gandi, working alongside the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnapped victims who escaped from their captors.
The victims, comprising men, women and children, were found wandering in the bush around Badanma community in Rabah Local Government Area. They were later handed over to community leaders before being reunited with their families.
On July 21, troops of Combat Team 12 responded to a distress call after terrorists blocked the Gummi–Sokoto highway in an attempt to abduct commuters.
The troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle, pursued them and successfully rescued 11 kidnapped victims while recovering one motorcycle.
Commending the troops for the successful operations, Danja praised their professionalism, vigilance and commitment to safeguarding lives.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the North West.
The latest operations form part of the sustained military offensive under Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across Nigeria’s North West region.
