By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a kidnapping and cattle rustling attempt in Kebbi State, rescuing a 40-year-old man, recovering 18 rustled cattle and arresting four suspected drug peddlers in separate operations.
According to an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were conducted on October 18, 2026, in collaboration with local vigilantes and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The statement disclosed that troops of Sector 2, working alongside local vigilantes, responded to a distress call following the invasion of Rambo Village in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area by suspected terrorists.
The assailants were reportedly attempting to abduct residents and rustle cattle when the troops swiftly mobilised to the community, made contact with them and engaged them in a firefight.
The military intervention led to the rescue of a 40-year-old resident, identified as Suleiman Maiyaki Ikara, and the recovery of 18 rustled cattle.
The rescued victim and recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to the District Head of Rambo Village for further action.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with NDLEA personnel, raided suspected drug trafficking locations in Dakin Kowa, Karaye and Gubba communities in Maiyama Local Government Area of the state.
The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The suspects and recovered substances have been handed over to the NDLEA Command in Maiyama for further investigation and necessary action.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across its joint operations area.
It also commended local communities for their continued support and cooperation, urging residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations and improve security across the region.
