Troops rescue 19 kidnap victims in two days, repel terrorists

From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 19 kidnapped victims in two separate operations carried out within 48 hours in Kebbi State, thwarting terrorist attacks without recording any casualties among security personnel.

The latest operation took place on Saturday, July 11, in Marge, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where troops rescued 15 kidnapped victims following a fierce gun battle with terrorists.

Military sources said the operation was launched after credible intelligence revealed the presence of armed terrorists in Marge. Acting swiftly, troops were deployed to the area, where they encountered the criminals and engaged them with superior firepower.

“Unable to withstand the troops’ overwhelming assault, the terrorists abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding bush. All 15 victims were subsequently rescued and safely reunited with their families.”

The operation came barely 24 hours after troops foiled another kidnapping attempt in Surimi, a border community between Kebbi and Sokoto states, rescuing four kidnapped victims on Friday, July 10.

According to the military, the earlier operation was also intelligence-driven after reports indicated the movement of armed terrorists within Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

“Our troops immediately mobilised to the scene and confronted the attackers in a gun duel.”

According to the source, the terrorists were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, which forced them to flee into nearby bushes, abandoning the four victims, who were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

“In both operations, no casualties were recorded among the troops. This underscores the effectiveness of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.”

The successful rescues are the latest in a series of offensives aimed at degrading terrorist and kidnapping networks operating across parts of Kebbi and neighbouring north-western states, where security forces have intensified intelligence-led operations to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities.