Troops of the Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during separate security operations in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State.
The victims were rescued after troops foiled an attempted terrorist invasion and repelled an ambush in separate operations conducted on October 30 and 31, 2026.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call on October 30 concerning suspected terrorists who had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road while attempting to invade Ribah town.
The statement said the troops arrived at the scene after the attackers had fled with seven persons.
The troops subsequently launched an aggressive pursuit towards Rambo village, forcing the assailants to abandon their captives under sustained military pressure.
The rescued victims 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.
All seven victims are indigenes of Ribah town and have since been reunited with their families.
In a separate operation on October 31, troops conducting a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala general area came under fire from terrorists who had laid an ambush along their route.
The troops responded with superior firepower, fought through the ambush and forced the attackers to flee in disarray.
During a subsequent search of the area, the soldiers discovered four kidnapped victims abandoned by the terrorists during the exchange of fire.
The rescued persons were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18.
The victims, all residents of Wasagu village, have been handed over to the village head.
The statement said troops continued to dominate the area through sustained patrols and confidence-building measures aimed at preventing further attacks and protecting residents.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and critical infrastructure across its area of responsibility.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
