Nigerian military rescue 9 kidnap victims in Sokoto

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have rescued nine persons kidnapped from Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the troops also neutralized scores of terrorists in a successful ambush conducted in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State in the late hours of 31 September 2025.

The operation followed credible intelligence revealing terrorists’ movement within a known crossing point along Isa – Shinkafi – Kaura Namoda Road which links Zamfara and Sokoto States from one end. 

The troops laid in wait to ambush the terrorists however on noticing the presence of the soldiers in the area, they attempted to use their captives who they were escorting as human shields. 

Consequently, the troops responded methodically and decisively resulting in the neutralization of a handful of terrorists while many others fled with gunshot wounds.

During the operation, troops rescued nine kidnapped victims comprising three adult females and six underage children. 

The rescued kidnapped victims who were abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni LGA, were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital Shinkafi for medical attention. 

Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle belonging to the terrorists, three mobile phones, and a pair of desert camouflage uniform from the immediate surroundings of the ambush site.

Furthermore, the victims were handed over to officials of the Shinkafi LGA who were informed of the rescue operation and they immediately responded to the needs of the victims while promising to ensure that the victims will be reunited with their families soon.

OPFY reassures residents of North West Zone and parts of North Central of its determination to sustain aggressive operations until terrorism and banditry are completely stamped out of states under OPFY Theatre. 

“Members of the public are also urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the Theatre,” the statement added.