Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 27 kidnapped victims and foiled several abduction attempts during coordinated security operations carried out across Sokoto and Zamfara States, as the military intensifies efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks operating in the North-West region.
The successful operations, conducted between July 20 and 21, 2026, involved troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), who acted on credible intelligence reports about terrorist activities in different communities. The military said the operations led to the rescue of victims, recovery of livestock and motorcycles, and disruption of planned attacks on civilians.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops from Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa responded swiftly to reports of terrorist movements around Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists at Kaura community after making contact with them, forcing the criminals to retreat following an exchange of fire. During the operation, six kidnapped victims were rescued, while some livestock and two motorcycles were recovered from the fleeing criminals. The rescued victims were later reunited with their families.
In another operation carried out in Sokoto State, troops working alongside the State Community Guard Corps rescued 10 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 after receiving assistance and were subsequently reunited with their relatives.
The military also disclosed that troops responded to a distress call along the Gummi–Sokoto highway, where terrorists had reportedly blocked the road in an attempt to abduct commuters. The troops moved quickly to the location, engaged the attackers, and rescued 11 additional victims. A motorcycle belonging to the criminals was also recovered during the operation.
The latest successes come amid renewed military operations aimed at reducing the activities of terrorists and bandit groups responsible for kidnappings, attacks on communities, and disruption of economic activities across the North-West.
Sokoto and Zamfara States have remained among the areas affected by persistent security challenges, including attacks by armed groups operating from forest locations. These criminal networks have frequently targeted rural communities, travellers, farmers, and residents for ransom and other illegal activities.
Security experts have continued to stress the importance of intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and improved coordination among security agencies as critical measures in tackling insecurity.
The military has repeatedly encouraged residents to provide timely information about suspicious activities in their communities, noting that cooperation between civilians and security forces remains essential in preventing attacks and protecting lives.
The rescue operation has brought relief to families of the victims, many of whom have endured uncertainty and fear following the abductions. For communities affected by kidnapping incidents, successful military interventions provide hope that ongoing security challenges can be reduced through sustained operations.
However, analysts warn that while rescue missions are important, long-term solutions require addressing the factors that allow criminal groups to operate, including ungoverned spaces, limited infrastructure, unemployment, and poor access to security services in remote areas.
The Federal Government and security authorities have continued to assure Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to restore peace across troubled regions. Military operations such as those conducted by Operation Fansan Yamma form part of broader strategies aimed at degrading terrorist networks and protecting citizens.
The Theatre Command of Operation Fansan Yamma commended the troops for their professionalism, courage, and swift response during the operations. It also urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.
For the rescued victims and their families, the latest development marks a moment of relief after the trauma and uncertainty associated with kidnapping. As security operations continue across Sokoto and Zamfara, authorities say the focus remains on preventing further attacks and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven.
The rescue of the 27 victims highlights the importance of sustained military pressure against terrorist groups while reinforcing calls for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
