Troops Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims After Foiling Terrorists’ Ambush in Kebbi
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during separate security operations in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The rescue operations, conducted on October 30 and 31, 2026, followed an attempted terrorist invasion of Ribah town and an ambush on troops during a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala area.
In the first operation on October 30, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call that suspected terrorists had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road while attempting to attack Ribah town.
However, upon arriving at the scene, the troops discovered that the assailants had fled with seven residents.
The soldiers immediately launched an aggressive pursuit towards Rambo village, mounting sustained pressure on the fleeing terrorists and forcing them to abandon their captives.
The seven rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala, 53; Nura Musa, 25; Dantami Yahyi, 57; Nasiru Muhammad, 21; Abdulakeem Abubakar, 23; Abdulahi Maikudi, 32; and Zaki Gambo, 56.
All the victims are indigenes of Ribah town and have since been reunited with their families.
Similarly, on October 31, troops conducting a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala general area came under attack from terrorists who had laid an ambush along their route.
The troops responded with superior firepower, successfully breaking through the ambush and forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
During a subsequent search of the area, the soldiers discovered four kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The rescued victims were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18. They are residents of Wasagu village and have been handed over to the village head.
The military said troops were continuing security operations and confidence-building measures across the area to prevent further attacks and protect residents.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA also called on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and protect lives and property.
