Six kidnapped victims have been rescued by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA after security forces engaged suspected terrorists in a gun battle along the Wasagu-Ayu Road in Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The rescue operation was carried out on September 2, 2026, following credible intelligence on the presence of suspected terrorists at Mehinua Village along the busy road. Acting on the information, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, quickly mobilised to the area to disrupt the terrorists’ activities and secure the victims.
On arrival, the troops made contact with the suspected terrorists, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire. The soldiers applied overwhelming firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding area.
The troops subsequently secured the location and rescued all six victims unharmed. A vehicle recovered during the operation was also taken into custody, while the rescued victims and the vehicle were handed over to relevant community authorities for further necessary action.
Timely Rescue Ends Captivity
For the six victims, the operation brought an end to their ordeal in captivity and prevented the terrorists from escaping with them. The swift intervention also highlighted the importance of timely intelligence in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities along vulnerable routes in the North-West.
The Wasagu-Ayu Road and surrounding communities have continued to face security concerns linked to criminal and terrorist activities. The successful operation is therefore significant not only for the rescued victims but also for residents and travellers who rely on the route.
The latest rescue adds to ongoing operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA across the North-West, where security forces have continued to put pressure on terrorist and bandit groups through intelligence-led patrols, offensive operations and targeted interventions.
Beyond the immediate rescue, the operation demonstrates the importance of maintaining an active security presence in vulnerable communities and along major access routes.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has also renewed its appeal to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security outpost.
For residents and travellers in vulnerable communities, cooperation with security agencies remains crucial. Timely information from local residents can help security forces intervene before kidnappings, attacks and other criminal activities escalate.
The successful rescue of the six victims therefore represents both a tactical success for the troops and a significant relief for the families of those rescued, while reinforcing the broader objective of ongoing security operations to safeguard lives, protect property and create safer conditions for law-abiding citizens to live and move freely.
