Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 10 kidnapped civilians in separate operations across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, further intensifying military pressure on terrorist and kidnapping networks operating in the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed this in a statement on 20 August 2026.
The rescue operations, conducted between August 18 and 19, 2026 followed a combination of intelligence-driven searches, aggressive patrols and rapid responses to terrorist activities across the Joint Operations Area.
In Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, troops conducting a patrol on August 19 encountered an ambush by suspected terrorists.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee in disarray and abandon the area.
During the encounter, soldiers rescued five civilians who had been held by the terrorists. The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
Troops also recovered two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
In a separate operation on August 18, troops acting on intelligence concerning the abduction of three persons launched a search-and-rescue operation in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all three victims.
The rescued civilians were profiled before being handed over to the appropriate local authorities for further assistance and reunification with their families.
Similarly, troops responded to intelligence on terrorist activity in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on August 18.
The rapid mobilisation of troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding terrain.
Two kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.
The victims had sustained gunshot wounds during their captivity and were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
“Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have sustained ongoing efforts to protect lives and secure communities across the North West, rescuing 10 civilians in separate operations conducted in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States,” the statement read.
“On 19 August 2026, troops conducting a patrol in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State encountered a terrorist ambush. The troops responded swiftly and decisively, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. During the encounter, 5 civilians were rescued and subsequently reunited with their families, while 2 motorcycles abandoned by the terrorists were recovered.
“Earlier, on 18 August 2026, troops acting on intelligence regarding 3 kidnapped victims conducted a search and rescue operation in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The operation led to the successful rescue of all 3 victims, who were subsequently profiled and handed over to the appropriate local authorities.
“Similarly, troops responded swiftly to reported terrorist activities in the Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State on 18 August 2026. The rapid mobilization of the troops compelled the terrorists to flee the area, abandoning two captives. The victims, who had sustained gunshot wounds during their ordeal, were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment. Efforts are currently ongoing to track and neutralize the fleeing terrorists.
“The Theatre Command commends the troops for their vigilance and swift response and reassures residents of its determination to sustain pressure on terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing operations and enhance the protection of lives and property.”
