Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during two separate military operations in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The victims were freed during encounters with suspected bandits and terrorists on October 30 and 31, 2026, following military responses to security threats around Ribah and Wasagu communities.
The spokesman for the 8 Division, Sokoto, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement made available on Sunday, explaining that the first rescue followed a distress call about armed bandits who had blocked a road leading to Ribah town and attempted to attack the community.
According to Osoba, troops deployed to the area discovered evidence of an abduction, including abandoned motorcycles, and immediately pursued the attackers. A gun battle ensued, forcing the gunmen to retreat and abandon seven kidnapped victims.
The seven rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala, Dantani Yahyi, Nura Musa, Nasiru Muhammad, Abdulakeem Abubakar, Abdulahi Maikudi and Zaki Gom. The military said they had subsequently been reunited with their families.
In a separate operation around Wasagu, troops conducting routine patrols came under attack from suspected terrorists but successfully repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to abandon four abducted residents.
Osoba said the four victims had been kidnapped from their farms in Wasagu village before troops intervened and secured their freedom.
The rescued victims were identified as Lawali Ali, Samaila Shuaibu, Kasimu Shuaibu and Aliyu Bala, all residents of Wasagu village. They were subsequently handed over to the community head.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations against bandits and other criminal groups in Kebbi State, assuring residents that troops would continue responding to security threats and protecting lives and property.
“The troops remain committed to the safety and security of all communities in the area and will continue to respond promptly to security threats,” the statement added.
