Troops rescue three female hostages after 3 months in captivity

Friday, June 26, 2026 -Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three female kidnap victims and foiled a terrorist mission during separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto States.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, 24 June 2026.

According to the statement, the victims identified as Zainab Muhammadu,28, Hafsat Ibrahim,20, and 17-year-old Halira Usman, had spent about three months in terrorists' captivity. 

Danja disclosed that troops on routine offensive patrol at Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State rescued the victims after they were abandoned by the terrorists as a result of sustained military pressure.

The rescued victims were evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation. 

"Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have recorded another operational success, rescuing three kidnapped victims and foiling a terrorist mission during separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto States,” the statement read.

"The operations, conducted as part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and enhance security across the North West, resulted in the recovery of a high-calibre weapon, ammunition, motorcycles, military accoutrements, and other operational items.

"On 22 June 2026, troops on routine offensive patrol at Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State rescued three female kidnap victims who were abandoned by the terrorists as a result of sustained military pressure. 

"The victims, who had spent about three months in captivity, were identified as 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu of Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State, as well as 20-year-old Hafsat Ibrahim and 17-year-old Halira Usman, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State. 

"The rescued victims were immediately evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate care.

"In a separate operation on 23 June 2026, troops of 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, acting on credible intelligence, sprang an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State to intercept terrorists reportedly moving to carry out attacks. 

"On sighting the troops, the terrorists came under overwhelming fire, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee in disarray, leaving behind one PKT machine gun, a cache of ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected to have been used for restraining captives among other sundry items.

"The successful operations underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the sustained offensive posture adopted by Sector 2 troops in denying terrorists freedom of action and disrupting their criminal activities. 

"The rescue of the kidnap victims and the recovery of weapons and military accoutrements further highlight the vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the troops to safeguarding communities across the Area of Responsibility.

"The Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens. 

“Troops will continue to sustain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements until lasting peace, security, and normalcy are fully restored across the North West region.”