Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) of the Nigerian Army, have rescued nine persons that were kidnapped from Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State by terrorists.
The rescued victims who were abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, were immediately evacuated and taken to the General Hospital Shinkafi for medical attention.
The Army said the victims were handed over to officials of the Shinkafi Local Government Area who were informed of the rescue operation, adding that they immediately responded to the needs of the victims with a promise to ensure that the victims will be reunited with their families soon.
This was as the troops neutralized scores of the terrorists in a successful ambush conducted in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State in the late hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025.
A statement by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer of the OPFY, stated that 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 statement further said that the troops laid in wait to ambush the terrorists, adding that on noticing the presence of the soldiers in the area, the terrorists attempted to use their captives as human shields.
Adewusi said; “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.
“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,” he said.
OPFY reassured 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.
It urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the Theatre.
