Troops rescue 27 kidnap victims, foil abductions in Sokoto, Zamfara

Nigerian troops have successfully rescued 27 individuals held captive and thwarted multiple kidnapping attempts in Sokoto and Zamfara states. These operations, part of the ongoing offensive against bandit and terrorist groups in the country's North-west, took place between July 20 and 21. Military forces engaged suspected terrorists in gun battles, leading to the rescue of hostages and the recovery of livestock and motorcycles. In one operation in the Kaura community of Sokoto State, troops responded to reports of terrorist activity, engaged the militants, and rescued six kidnapped persons. Simultaneously, in the Gandi Local Government Area, troops and community guards rescued 10 victims who had escaped their captors and were found in the bush. Another operation on July 21 saw troops respond to a distress call on the Gummi-Sokoto highway, where armed terrorists had blocked the road to abduct commuters. The troops engaged the attackers, rescuing 11 abducted persons and recovering a motorcycle. The Theatre Command commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence. These recent successes are part of intensified military offensives across the North-west under Operation FANSAN YAMMA. Recent operations have reportedly led to the killing of bandit commanders, destruction of hideouts, recovery of weapons, and the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states. The military attributes these gains to sustained intelligence-led operations, air support, and collaboration with local security outfits aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring security.

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The Theatre Command commended the troops for what it described as their professionalism and swift response, while urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.