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 Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The rescue operations were carried out on October 30 and 31, 2026, in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area.

In the first operation on October 30, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call about suspected terrorists who had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road while attempting to invade Ribah town.

On arrival, the troops discovered that the assailants had fled with seven residents. The soldiers pursued them towards Rambo village, forcing the terrorists to abandon the victims under sustained pressure.

The rescued persons 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. They have since been reunited with their families in Ribah.

In a separate incident on October 31, troops conducting a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala area came under fire from terrorists who had laid an ambush along their route.

The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to flee. A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of four kidnapped victims who had been abandoned during the exchange of fire.

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 Joint Task Force said troops would continue security patrols and confidence-building operations in the area to prevent further attacks and protect residents.

The public was also urged to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing military operations.

The statement was issued on November 1, 2026, by Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Acting Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.