Troops Rescue 27 Kidnap Victims In Sokoto, Zamfara

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnap victims and stopped fresh abduction attempts during operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The military said the operations took place between July 20 and 21, 2026, and also led to the recovery of rustled livestock and motorcycles. The rescue was announced by Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West.

Punch reported that troops from Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa moved into Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State after receiving intelligence on terrorist activity.

Premium Times reported that the troops engaged suspected terrorists in a gun battle at Kaura, forcing them to flee. Six kidnap victims were rescued there, while other operations raised the total number of rescued victims to 27.

The military also said troops foiled abduction attempts and disrupted movement by armed groups along parts of the Gummi-Sokoto highway.

The operation comes as North West communities continue to face attacks, kidnappings and road ambushes by bandit and terrorist groups. The latest rescue gives affected families some relief, but it also shows how active the threat remains across rural routes and forest corridors.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times