Troops from Operation Fansan Yamma successfully rescued 11 individuals who had been kidnapped in Kebbi State during two military operations conducted on October 30 and 31, 2026. The operations took place in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, where soldiers engaged in encounters with suspected bandits and terrorists.

According to Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the spokesman for the 8 Division based in Sokoto, the first operation was initiated following a distress call that reported armed bandits blocking a road leading to Ribah town. Upon arrival, the troops discovered that several residents had been abducted, with motorcycles left abandoned at the scene. In a swift response, the soldiers pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle, which resulted in the rescue of seven victims who had been held captive.

The rescued individuals were identified as Sa’adu Bala, Dantani Yahyi, Nura Musa, Nasiru Muhammad, Abdulakeem Abubakar, Abdulahi Maikudi, and Zaki Gom. Following their rescue, the military confirmed that these victims were reunited with their families, bringing relief to the affected community.

In a separate operation in the Wasagu area, troops conducting routine patrols were ambushed by suspected terrorists. The soldiers managed to repel the attack, forcing the assailants to abandon four more victims who had been abducted from their farms in Wasagu village. The rescued victims in this operation were identified as Lawali Ali, Samaila Shuaibu, Kasimu Shuaibu, and Aliyu Bala, all of whom were subsequently handed over to the community head.

The military has reiterated its commitment to combating banditry and ensuring the safety of communities in Kebbi State. Lt. Col. Osoba stated that the troops will continue to respond promptly to security threats and maintain operations against criminal elements in the region. This assurance aims to bolster the confidence of residents in the ongoing efforts to protect lives and property in the area.