Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have successfully rescued 11 kidnapped victims in two separate operations conducted in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The rescue operations took place on October 30 and 31, 2026, after the troops encountered suspected bandits in the area. The military actions were prompted by distress calls from the local communities.
According to the spokesman for the 8 Division, Sokoto, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the first operation was launched after a distress call reported that armed bandits had blocked a road leading to Ribah town and attempted to invade the community. Troops deployed to the area discovered that some residents had been abducted, while several motorcycles were abandoned at the scene. The troops then pursued the attackers.
The pursuit led to a gun battle between the troops and the bandits, forcing the attackers to flee and abandon seven kidnapped victims. The rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala, Dantani Yahyi, Nura Musa, Nasiru Muhammad, Abdulakeem Abubakar, Abdulahi Maikudi, and Zaki Gom. The military reported that these seven victims had been reunited with their families.
In a separate operation conducted around Wasagu, troops on routine patrols came under attack by suspected terrorists but successfully repelled the assault. The attackers were forced to abandon four kidnapped victims during their retreat. These victims had been abducted from their farms in Wasagu village before the troops intervened.
The four rescued victims from Wasagu village were identified as Lawali Ali, Samaila Shuaibu, Kasimu Shuaibu, and Aliyu Bala. They were subsequently handed over to the community head. The military actions in both operations demonstrated the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region.
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against bandits and other criminal elements in Kebbi State. The authorities have assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property. The successful rescue operations highlight the military's proactive approach to addressing security challenges in the area.
The recent operations by Operation Fansan Yamma troops have brought relief to the affected communities and underscore the military's resolve to tackle insecurity in Kebbi State. The rescued victims' safe return is a testament to the effectiveness of the military's strategies in combating kidnapping and banditry.
Key points
- Nigerian troops rescued 11 kidnapped victims in two separate operations in Kebbi State.
- The operations were conducted on October 30 and 31, 2026, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
- The military has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in the region.
