Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, foiled multiple abduction attempts and recovered livestock and motorcycles during coordinated operations against terrorists in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The successful operations, carried out between July 20 and 21, underscore the military’s sustained offensive against armed criminal groups operating across the North-West.
In the first operation on July 20, troops from the Forward Operating Bases at Shagari and Sifawa, acting on credible intelligence, stormed Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State following reports of terrorist activity.
Military sources said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle at Kaura community, forcing the criminals to flee under superior firepower.
The operation led to the rescue of six kidnapped victims, while troops also recovered livestock and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists. The rescued victims were later reunited with their families.
In a related operation the same day, troops deployed at Gandi, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnap victims who had escaped from their captors and were found wandering in the bush around Badanma community in Gandi Local Government Area.
The victims, comprising men, women and children, were handed over to community leaders before being reunited with their families.
On July 21, troops of Combat Team 12 responded to a distress call after terrorists blocked the Gummi–Sokoto highway in an attempt to abduct travellers.
The troops swiftly engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon their operation after a fierce pursuit.
The intervention resulted in the rescue of 11 kidnapped persons and the recovery of one motorcycle used by the fleeing criminals.
Commending the troops for their courage and professionalism, the Theatre Command described the operations as further evidence of the military’s determination to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks across the North-West.
The command also praised residents for providing timely intelligence that contributed to the successful operations and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has intensified offensive operations in recent months as part of ongoing efforts to restore security, safeguard communities and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the North-West region.
