Nigerian troops operating under the military campaign Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued ten people following a series of clashes with armed gangs across three north-western states, military officials say.
The rescues took place between Tuesday and Wednesday across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states—an area that has long struggled with widespread security challenges posed by heavily armed gangs locally referred to as “bandits.”
In Sokoto state’s Isa Local Government Area, troops repelled an ambush on Wednesday. Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force, said soldiers “responded swiftly and decisively,” forcing the attackers to flee. Five hostages were rescued during the engagement and have since been reunited with their families, while troops recovered two abandoned motorcycles.
A day earlier, in Kebbi state, soldiers acting on intelligence reports launched a targeted search and rescue mission in the Danko Wasagu region, successfully freeing three captives.
Separately, in Zamfara state’s Tsafe area, military forces responded to reports of armed activity, causing another group of attackers to retreat. Troops found two hostages left behind, both suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to a medical facility for urgent treatment, while security forces continue to track the fleeing suspects.
North-western Nigeria has seen a surge in kidnappings for ransom, violent raids, and extortion in recent years, prompting ongoing joint military operations to stabilize the region.
Military commanders reiterated their appeal for local residents to share intelligence to help curb the violence.
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