Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, foiled multiple abduction attempts and recovered livestock and motorcycles during a series of operations conducted across Sokoto and Zamfara States.
According to an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out between July 20 and 21, 2026, as troops sustained pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-West.
The statement disclosed that on July 20, troops of the Forward Operating Bases at Shagari and Sifawa, acting on credible intelligence, deployed to Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State following reports of terrorist activities.
It stated that upon arrival at Kaura community, the troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to flee under superior military firepower.
During the operation, six kidnapped victims were rescued, while livestock and two motorcycles were recovered. The rescued victims were subsequently 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 kidnapped victims who had escaped from their captors and were found wandering in the bush at Badanma community in Gandi Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to the statement, the victims, comprising men, women and children, were handed over to community leaders before being reunited with their families.
The statement further revealed that on July 21, troops of Combat Team 12 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to a distress call after terrorists blocked the Gummi–Sokoto highway in an attempt to abduct commuters.
The troops swiftly engaged and pursued the fleeing terrorists, successfully rescuing 11 kidnapped persons and recovering one motorcycle during the operation.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response, noting that the successful operations further disrupted terrorist activities and denied criminal elements freedom of action across the theatre.
It also appreciated members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence that contributed to the operational successes, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information as ongoing operations continue to degrade terrorist and criminal networks across the North-West.
