Troops Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims After Foiling Terrorists’ Ambush in Kebbi

Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during separate security operations in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The rescue operations were carried out on October 30 and 31, 2026, in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, said troops of Sector 2 rescued seven victims following an attack by suspected terrorists along the Ribah-Dirindaji road.

According to the statement, the troops responded to a distress call on October 30 after the suspected terrorists blocked the road while attempting to invade Ribah town.

Although the attackers had fled with seven residents before the troops arrived, the soldiers launched a pursuit towards Rambo village, forcing the assailants to abandon their captives.

The rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala, 53; Nura Musa, 25; Dantami Yahyi, 57; Nasiru Muhammad, 21; Abdulakeem Abubakar, 23; Abdulahi Maikudi, 32; and Zaki Gambo, 56.

The statement said all seven victims were indigenes of Ribah town and had since been reunited with their families.

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In a separate operation on October 31, troops conducting a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala general area came under attack from terrorists who had laid an ambush along their route.

The troops reportedly repelled the attack using superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee.

A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of four kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists during the exchange of gunfire.

The victims were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18. They are residents of Wasagu village and have since been handed over to the village head.

Captain Sinivie said troops continued to maintain security dominance in the affected areas through sustained patrols and other operations aimed at preventing further attacks and protecting residents.

He urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations against terrorists.