Troops rescue 23 women, children after three weeks in captivity
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Troops rescue 23 women, children after three weeks in captivity
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian military has rescued 31 kidnapped victims and neutralised several terrorists during offensive operations across the North-West between August 31 and September 3, 2026.
The victims were rescued in separate operations conducted by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA across Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states, as the military intensified its campaign against terrorism and kidnapping in the region.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja on Friday, troops responding to a distress call on September 2 rescued six abducted victims who were transiting from Ayu Market at Mehinua Village in Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
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Onoja said the troops also rescued 23 abducted civilians, comprising three men and 20 women, on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka LGA of Zamfara State on September 3, noting that the victims had been in captivity for about three weeks before their rescue and were evacuated for medical attention.
“On the same day, troops rescued two abducted victims and recovered two motorcycles along the Dandume–Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State,” he added.
The military also reported significant gains against terrorist networks operating in the North-West, saying troops raided suspected terrorist hideouts at Kogo Village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State on August 31, killing two terrorist kingpins.
One other terrorist reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, while two motorcycles were destroyed during the operation.
In Kaduna State, troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage Village in Giwa LGA on September 2 and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain.
The suspect reportedly attempted to flee but was neutralised during the encounter.
Similarly, troops ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis in Zamfara State, recovering a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle, ammunition and other items.
Several terrorists were also neutralised during the engagement.
The military said troops intensified clearance operations in forests and communities across Sokoto State, including Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna and Bilange.
During the operation, a terrorist camp was discovered and destroyed in Bilange Forest, with military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle recovered.
A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered under shrubs near Maikujera Village in Rabah LGA, after it was allegedly abandoned by terrorists following an earlier ambush on troops on August 28.
The Defence Headquarters said the military’s operations were part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their logistics and rescue civilians held captive.
It added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their commitment and urged Nigerians and community leaders to continue providing useful information to security agencies.
The military assured Nigerians that it would sustain its operations until peace and security were restored across the country.
