Troops rescue kidnapped victims, foil terrorist mission in Zamfara, Sokoto

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued three kidnapped women and disrupted a planned terrorist attack in separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto States, the force said on Wednesday.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North West), the first rescue occurred on 22 June 2026 during a routine offensive patrol at Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Three female victims—28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu of Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum LGA (Zamfara), 20-year-old Hafsat Ibrahim, and 17-year-old Halira Usman (both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru LGA, Kebbi State)—were found abandoned by their captors after spending about three months in captivity.

“The victims were immediately evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate care,” the statement said, adding that the abandonment followed sustained military pressure on the kidnappers.

In a separate intelligence-led operation on 23 June 2026, troops of 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2 OPFY set an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State to intercept terrorists reportedly moving to carry out attacks. Confronted by overwhelming fire, the attackers fled in disarray, leaving behind a PKT machine gun, ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected to have been used for restraining captives, and other military accoutrements.

“The successful operations underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the sustained offensive posture adopted by Sector 2 troops in denying terrorists freedom of action and disrupting their criminal activities,” Lt. Col. Danja said.

He added that the recoveries “highlight the vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the troops to safeguarding communities across the Area of Responsibility.”

The Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and warned that troops will “continue to sustain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements until lasting peace, security, and normalcy are fully restored across the North West region.”