Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 11 kidnapped victims in two separate operations in Kebbi State, following an aggressive pursuit of terrorists who abducted seven persons in Ribah town and a military encounter with another group of assailants in the Wasagu-Falfala general area.
The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in an official statement, explaining that the operations were conducted on October 30 and 31, 2026, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of the state.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, on October 30, responded to a distress call over suspected terrorists who had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road while attempting to invade Ribah town.
On arrival, the troops discovered that the assailants had fled with seven persons, prompting an aggressive pursuit towards Rambo village. The sustained military pressure eventually forced the terrorists to abandon their captives, leading to the successful rescue of all seven victims.
The rescued persons were identified as Sa’adu Bala, 53; Nura Musa, 25; Dantami Yahyi, 57; Nasiru Muhammad, 21; Abdulakeem Abubakar, 23; Abdulahi Maikudi, 32; and Zaki Gambo, 56. They are all indigenes of Ribah town and have since been reunited with their families.
In a related operation on October 31, troops of Sector 2, while conducting a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala general area to protect residents and prevent terrorist activities, came under fire from terrorists who had laid an ambush along their route.
The troops swiftly engaged the attackers with superior firepower, successfully fighting through the ambush and forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.
During a subsequent search of the area, the troops discovered four kidnapped victims abandoned by the fleeing terrorists amid the exchange of fire.
The victims were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18. They are residents of Wasagu village and have since been handed over to the village head.
The military said troops have continued to dominate the general area through sustained operations and confidence-building measures aimed at preventing further attacks and reassuring residents of their safety.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA also urged members of the public to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information to assist troops in tackling terrorist activities.
The task force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and critical infrastructure within its Area of Responsibility.
