Troops foil terrorists’ ambush, rescue 11 kidnapped victims
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during separate operations conducted in Ribah town and Wasagu-Falfala general area of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
On 30 October, 2026, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call concerning suspected terrorists who had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji Road while attempting to invade Ribah town.
On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered that the terrorists had fled with seven persons. The troops subsequently mounted an aggressive pursuit of the fleeing terrorists towards Rambo village, forcing the assailants to release the victims under sustained pressure.
The rescued victims were Sa’adu Bala, 53; Nura Musa, 25; Dantami Yahyi, 57; and Nasiru Muhammad, 21. Others are Abdulakeem Abubakar, 23; Abdulahi Maikudi, 32; and Zaki Gambo, 56.
They are all indigenes of Ribah town and have since been reunited with their families.
Similarly, on 31 October 2026, troops of Sector 2, while conducting a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala general area to safeguard residents and deny terrorists freedom of action, came under fire from terrorists who had laid an ambush along the route.
The troops responded swiftly and fought through the ambush with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.
During exploitation of the area, the troops discovered four kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists amid the ensuing exchange of fire.
The rescued persons were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18. The rescued persons are residents of Wasagu village and have since been handed over to the village head.
The troops continue to dominate the general area and sustain confidence-building measures to deter further attacks and protect residents as they go about their legitimate activities.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and critical infrastructure within its Area of Responsibility.
The general public is urged to continue supporting the troops by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.
