Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have successfully rescued nine kidnapped persons in Sokoto State and neutralized several terrorists during an ambush in Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
According to Media Information Officer Operation FANSAN YAMMA 1 September 2025 Captain David Adewusi, the operation, conducted late on 31 August 2025, followed credible intelligence on terrorist movement along the Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda Road, a notorious crossing point linking Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Troops laid an ambush, but the terrorists attempted to use their captives as human shields. The soldiers responded with precision, killing a number of terrorists while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Nine kidnapped victims — three women and six children abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni LGA — were rescued and taken to General Hospital Shinkafi for medical care. Items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 rifle with two magazines, 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and a desert camouflage uniform.
The victims were later handed over to Shinkafi LGA officials, who assured that they would be reunited with their families.
OPFY reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations across the North West and parts of North Central until terrorism and banditry are eliminated. The force also urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing security efforts.
