Troops neutralise terrorists, rescue kidnapped victims in Zamfara

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised terrorists, rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered arms and logistics during operations in Zamfara State, the Nigerian Army confirmed Saturday.

In a statement made available on Saturday, the army said the operational successes were recorded across Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas.

“Troops of sector 2 operation FANSAN YAMMA have neutralised terrorists, rescued 3 kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of arms and logistics,” the statement read.

The army said that on 12 June 2026 a fighting patrol covering Birnin Saba, Yanbuki and Sabon Garin Daudawa in Zurmi LGA engaged a group of terrorists in Yanbuki District.

“In the ensuing firefight, the gallant troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered rifles, 4 magazines loaded with ammunition, 2 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and 2 MP3 players as well as one woodland camouflage trouser and an inner vest,” the statement said.

As the patrol advanced to Sabon Garin Daudawa, the army said the terrorists “abandoned their camp and fled prior to the troops’ arrival.”

Troops later cleared and destroyed the terrorists’ enclave, the statement added.

In a separate action along the Shinkafi–Moriki axis, troops on routine patrol ambushed another terrorist group.

The army reported that one terrorist was neutralized and forces recovered “one AK-47 rifle, 5 magazines, one Baofeng communication radio, 2 motorcycles and assorted charms.”

The statement also noted that the rescued victims are receiving care and that “efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their respective families.”

The army reiterated its resolve to restore peace in Zamfara and the wider North-West region, urging civilians to support operations by providing “timely and credible information to security agencies.”