Zamfara and Sokoto Operations: Troops Rescue Three Kidnapped Victims and Seize Weapons

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North‑West, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, rescued three kidnapped women and disrupted a planned terrorist attack in separate missions in Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The operations, part of the ongoing campaign against terrorism and banditry in the North‑West, also yielded the recovery of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other operational equipment.

Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for the operation, reported that troops on a routine offensive patrol in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescued three female victims who had been abandoned by their captors after sustained military pressure.

According to Danja, the women had been held for approximately three months before their rescue.

They were identified as 28‑year‑old Zainab Muhammadu of Gara Zaima Village, Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State; Hafsat Ibrahim, 20, and Halira Usman, 17, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village, Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate care,” Danja said.

In a separate operation on 23 June, troops of the 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, set an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area, Sokoto State. The aim was to intercept terrorists allegedly preparing to launch attacks.

Danja said the terrorists came under heavy gunfire when they spotted the troops and fled the area, abandoning their mission.

Items recovered at the scene included a PKT machine gun, ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected of being used to restrain kidnapped victims, and other operational materials.

“The successful operations underscore the effectiveness of intelligence‑driven operations and the sustained offensive posture adopted by Sector 2 troops in denying terrorists freedom of action and disrupting their criminal activities,” he said.

He added that the rescue of the victims and the recovery of weapons and other items highlighted the vigilance, professionalism and commitment of the troops to protecting communities across the region.

The military spokesperson reiterated that Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

“Troops will continue to sustain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements until lasting peace, security and normalcy are fully restored across the North‑West region,” he stated.