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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Soldiers rescue 27 kidnap victims, foil abduction attempts in Sokoto, Zamfara

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Nigerian troops rescued 27 kidnap victims during coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states between July 20 and 21, 2026.
  • Operations included engaging terrorists in Sokoto, leading to the rescue of six victims and recovery of livestock and motorcycles, and foiling an abduction attempt on the Gummi-Sokoto highway, rescuing 11 victims.
  • The military commended the troops' professionalism and urged continued public support and vigilance in degrading criminal networks.

Troops conducting Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully rescued 27 kidnap victims and disrupted terrorist activities in Sokoto and Zamfara states. The operations, which took place between July 20 and 21, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of stolen livestock and motorcycles.

Troops made contact with the terrorists in Kaura community and engaged them with superior firepower, compelling the criminals to flee in disarray.

— Lt. Col. Aliyu DanjaDescribing the engagement with terrorists in Sokoto State.

In Sokoto State, troops responded to intelligence reports in Shagari Local Government Area on July 20. They engaged terrorists in Kaura community, forcing the criminals to flee. This encounter led to the rescue of six kidnap victims and the recovery of livestock and two motorcycles. In a separate incident the same day, troops in Gandi, working with the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 victims who had escaped their captors and were found wandering in the bush.

Six kidnap victims were rescued in the operation, alongside the recovery of livestock and two motorcycles.

— Lt. Col. Aliyu DanjaDetailing the outcome of the operation in Kaura community.

On July 21, troops swiftly responded to a distress call on the Gummi-Sokoto highway, where terrorists attempted to abduct commuters. A pursuit led to the rescue of 11 additional kidnap victims and the recovery of one motorcycle. Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, urging continued public cooperation and timely information to support ongoing efforts against criminal networks.

The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.

— Lt. Col. Aliyu DanjaConfirming the safe return of rescued victims.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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