By: Abdullahi Inuwa
RIBAH, KEBBI STATE — Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 11 kidnapped persons in two separate operations in Kebbi State, foiling terrorists’ attempts to abduct residents and successfully repelling an ambush.
The operations, conducted in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, dealt a fresh blow to terrorists operating in the area.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Acting Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West, the first operation took place on October 30, 2026, following a distress call about suspected terrorists who had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road in an apparent attempt to invade Ribah town.
Responding swiftly, troops of Sector 2 moved to the scene but discovered that the attackers had already fled with seven residents.
Undeterred, the soldiers launched an aggressive pursuit towards Rambo village, mounting sustained pressure on the fleeing terrorists and forcing them to abandon their captives.
The seven rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala, 53; Nura Musa, 25; Dantami Yahyi, 57; Nasiru Muhammad, 21; Abdulakeem Abubakar, 23; Abdulahi Maikudi, 32; and Zaki Gambo, 56.
All the victims are indigenes of Ribah town and have since been reunited with their families.
In a related operation on October 31, troops again demonstrated their combat readiness when terrorists launched an ambush against soldiers conducting a routine security patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala general area.
The troops, however, swiftly repelled the attack, responding with superior firepower that forced the terrorists to flee in disarray.
A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of four kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the fleeing attackers during the exchange of gunfire.
The rescued victims were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18, all residents of Wasagu village.
They were subsequently handed over to the village head for further assistance.
The latest operations underscore the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, frustrate kidnapping activities and restore public confidence in communities affected by insecurity across the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA said its troops would continue to dominate the operational area through sustained patrols and confidence-building measures aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and protecting residents going about their legitimate activities.
The military also called on members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information that could assist troops in identifying and tracking criminal elements.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and critical infrastructure within its area of responsibility.
The successful rescue of the 11 victims brings renewed hope to affected families and sends a strong message that security forces remain determined to frustrate terrorists’ activities in Kebbi State.
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