Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, foiled multiple abduction attempts, and recovered livestock and motorcycles during a series of counter-terrorism operations across Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The successful operations, conducted between July 20 and 21, underscore the ongoing efforts of the Joint Task Force (North West) to dismantle terrorist networks and enhance security across the region.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of the Forward Operating Bases at Shagari and Sifawa acted on credible intelligence on July 20 and swiftly deployed to Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State following reports of terrorist activities.
The troops made contact with the terrorists at Kaura community and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee. During the operation, six kidnapped victims were rescued, while livestock and two motorcycles were recovered. The rescued victims were later reunited with their families.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops operating at Gandi, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnap victims who had escaped from their abductors 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 along the Gummi–Sokoto Road after terrorists blocked the highway in an attempt to abduct commuters.
The troops engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their mission. Eleven kidnapped persons were rescued during the operation, while one motorcycle was recovered.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and swift response, the Theatre Command said the operations demonstrated the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect lives and deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-West.
The command also appreciated members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies as operations to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks continue across the theatre.
