Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims, Foil Terrorist Attacks in Kaduna, Zamfara

Annabel Ndifon 

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued kidnapped victims, disrupt planned terrorist attacks in Kaduna and Zamfara States.

This was contained in a statement by the Nigerian Army and shared on its Facebook page on Monday.

In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA on 18 June 2026 responded to a distress call about the movement of armed bandits within a forest area in Kerawa, Igabi Local Government Area.

The troops swiftly mobilised and combed the area, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon their captives. The operation led to the rescue of Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, 38, Mrs Habibah Sadisu, 30, and a one-year-old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu.

The rescued victims were evacuated to a Primary Healthcare Clinic in Kadage for medical attention.

Preliminary investigation revealed that they were abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village, Birnin Yero, on 17 May 2026, and were being moved to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before troops intervened.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, alongside other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area.

Acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of 20 June 2026, troops laid an ambush on the outskirts of Gummi Community and engaged the terrorists as they approached, forcing them to retreat under heavy fire.

A search of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and food supplies believed to be part of the terrorists’ logistics network.

In another intelligence-led operation conducted with personnel from the Defence Intelligence Agency, troops arrested four suspected violent extremists and informants in Zamfara State.

Several items linked to their activities were recovered, while the suspects remain in custody for further investigation.

Troops also apprehended a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman after inconsistencies were discovered in his claims regarding his identity and activities. He is currently undergoing investigation.

The security forces also repelled a terrorist attack in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara following reinforcement by troops of 1 Brigade.

The military stated that its troops inflicted significant losses on the attackers, with blood trails found along their escape route indicating casualties among the terrorists.

However, three soldiers were killed during the encounter.

In a separate operation, troops acted on intelligence about the movement of terrorists on motorcycles towards Tudun Barade and Badamma communities in Bakura Local Government Area.

The troops' response forced the criminals to abandon their planned attack and withdraw.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, while honouring the fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the nation.

He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the North-West region.