Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims, Foil Terrorist Attacks in Kaduna and Zamfara, Three Soldiers Killed

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims, foiled multiple terrorist attacks, and arrested suspected extremists in a series of intelligence-led operations across Kaduna and Zamfara states.

The operations, carried out by troops of Sector 1 and Sector 2 between June 18 and June 20, also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other logistics used by terrorists.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 1 responded to a distress call on June 18 regarding the movement of armed bandits in a forest area of Kerawa in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The troops swiftly combed the area and rescued three kidnap victims identified as Mrs. Bilkisu Hayatu, 38, Mrs. Habibah Sadisu, 30, and one-year-old Abdulmutallib Sadisu. The victims had reportedly been abandoned by the fleeing criminals after sighting the advancing troops.

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

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

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, working alongside other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area in the early hours of June 20.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops laid an ambush on the outskirts of Gummi community and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to retreat.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and assorted food items believed to be intended for terrorist operations.

In another operation, troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), arrested four suspected violent extremists and informants during a covert operation in Zamfara State.

Military authorities said several incriminating items were recovered from the suspects, who are currently in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.

The troops also apprehended a suspected terrorist, identified as Muhammad Mamman, whose conflicting statements regarding his identity and activities reportedly raised suspicion. He is also undergoing investigation.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 successfully repelled a terrorist attack in Maru Local Government Area following reinforcement by troops of 1 Brigade.

According to the military, the terrorists suffered heavy casualties during the encounter, with blood trails observed along their withdrawal routes.

However, the operation came at a cost, as three soldiers were killed in action while confronting the attackers.

The military described the fallen personnel as gallant soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.

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

The troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol that forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat before carrying out any attack, enabling security forces to maintain dominance in the affected communities.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their bravery, resilience and professionalism, assuring residents of the North-West that sustained offensive operations would continue against terrorist and bandit groups.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing timely intelligence and urged continued cooperation with security agencies in the ongoing effort to restore peace and security across the region.