By Godwin Ogar
Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma (JTF OPFY), have rescued 3 kidnap victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto States.
The Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said, in a press statement, that the operations were conducted as part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and enhance security across the North West.
The operations led to the recovery of high-caliber weapon, ammunition, motorcycles, military accoutrements and other operational items, according to Danja.
“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,” he explained.
The operation in Zamfara State took place on June 22, 2026, when troops on routine offensive patrol at Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State rescued three (3) female kidnap victims who had spent about three months in captivity. Identified as Zainab Muhammadu (28) from Gara Zaima village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State as well as Hafsat Ibrahim (17) and Halira Usman (17), both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya community in Zurur Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the victims were abandoned by the terrorists as a result of sustained military pressure.
On June 23, 2026 in Sokoto State, “troops of 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, acting on credible intelligence, sprang an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Zungeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State to intercept terrorists reportedly moving to carry attacks,” according to the statement.
“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,” Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja said in the statement.
The operations underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the commitment of the Sector 2 troops to safeguarding communities across Area of Responsibility.
