Troops Rescue 27 Kidnap Victims in Sokoto, Zamfara as Terrorists Flee Military Offensive

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have rescued 27 kidnapped victims during separate military operations across Sokoto and Zamfara states, as security forces sustained pressure on terrorist groups operating in Nigeria's North-West.

The successful operations, carried out between July 20 and 21, followed intelligence-led missions targeting terrorist activities in several communities and along a major highway frequently targeted by kidnappers.

The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Six victims rescued after gun battle in Sokoto

According to Danja, troops from the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Shagari and Sifawa acted on credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The troops immediately mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle after making contact with them in Kaura community.

The terrorists, unable to withstand the military offensive, fled the scene.

During the operation, the troops rescued six kidnapped victims, while also recovering two motorcycles and some livestock believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

"The victims were subsequently reunited with their families," Danja said.

In another operation, troops stationed in Gandi, working jointly with the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnapped persons who had escaped from their captors.

The victims were discovered wandering in the bush around Badanma community in Gada Local Government Area after fleeing from the terrorists.

According to the military, the rescued victims included men, women and children.

They were handed over to community leaders before being reunited with their respective families.

Troops foil fresh highway abduction

Danja further disclosed that on July 21, troops of Combat Team 12 responded swiftly to a distress call after terrorists reportedly blocked the Gummi-Sokoto Road in an attempt to abduct motorists and travellers.

The troops confronted the attackers in a rapid response operation, forcing them to abandon their victims while fleeing.

The operation resulted in the rescue of 11 kidnapped persons, while security forces also recovered one motorcycle from the fleeing terrorists.

The military did not disclose whether any of the terrorists were killed or arrested during the operations.

Operation Fansan Yamma urged residents across Sokoto, Zamfara and other parts of the North-West to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

Danja said collaboration between local communities and security forces remains vital to ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and kidnapping networks operating across the region.

He reaffirmed that troops would sustain offensive operations aimed at degrading criminal groups and improving security throughout the North-West.