Troops Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Two Operations in Kebbi
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during two separate security operations in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The victims were rescued following military engagements with suspected terrorists in the area, according to the Joint Task Force, North West.
The Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Capt. Sinivie Tamuno, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Tamuno said the first rescue operation took place on Friday after troops received a distress call reporting that terrorists had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road.
He explained that the armed men were attempting to invade Ribah town when troops of Sector 2 responded to the alert.
According to him, the troops discovered that the terrorists had abducted seven residents and fled upon the arrival of security personnel.
The soldiers subsequently pursued the fleeing attackers towards Rambo village, forcing them to release their captives under sustained military pressure.
The rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala, 53; Nura Musa, 25; Dantami Yahyi, 57; Nasiru Muhammad, 21; Abdulakeem Abubakar, 23; Abdulahi Maikudi, 32; and Zaki Gambo, 56.
Tamuno said the seven victims, all indigenes of Ribah, had been reunited with their families.
In a separate operation, troops conducting routine patrols along the Wasagu-Falfala axis came under attack after suspected terrorists laid an ambush along their route.
He said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
During a subsequent search of the area, the soldiers discovered four kidnapped victims abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The victims were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18.
Tamuno said the four rescued victims, who are residents of Wasagu village, had been handed over to the village head.
He added that troops had continued to intensify patrols and security operations across the area to prevent further attacks and safeguard residents.
The military spokesman urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against terrorists and other criminal elements.
