Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims and recovered 34 cows and 74 rams during operations in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The operations, conducted on November 3, 2026, covered the Danko general area, Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, troops of Sector 2 mobilised following a distress call reporting the invasion of the Danko general area by suspected bandits who kidnapped residents and rustled cattle.
The troops engaged the armed men, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives. Two victims, identified as Barbuga Bawashe, 26, and Barka Dakaji, 61, were subsequently rescued.
The troops also recovered 34 cows and 74 rams during the operation.
In a related development, seven additional kidnapped victims were rescued during a follow-up operation at Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages.
The victims, who reportedly spent several months in captivity, escaped from their abductors amid sustained military operations in the area.
They were identified as Muhammad Dogonta, 60; Zakari Yahu, 32; Basara Sheu, 10; Adam Shehu, 12; Hatsat Umar, 14; Albaria Hamsu, 12; and Yehusa Lawali, 35.
The rescued victims have been handed over to the District Head of Unashi for onward reunion with their families.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property within its operational area, urging residents to support ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.
The military said public cooperation remained critical to enhancing security operations and ensuring the effective discharge of its mandate.
