Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have successfully freed nine individuals abducted from Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, announced this in a statement on Monday, revealing that the troops also eliminated several terrorists during a well-executed ambush in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State in the late hours of 31 September 2025.
The operation was initiated based on reliable intelligence that tracked terrorists’ movements along a known crossing point on the Isa – Shinkafi – Kaura Namoda Road, which connects Zamfara and Sokoto States.
The troops strategically positioned themselves to ambush the terrorists, but upon detecting the soldiers’ presence, the terrorists attempted to use their captives, whom they were escorting, as human shields.
In response, the troops acted with precision and determination, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists, while many others escaped with gunshot injuries.
During the operation, the troops rescued nine kidnapped victims, including three adult females and six underage children.
The rescued individuals, who were abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni LGA, were promptly taken to the General Hospital Shinkafi for medical treatment.
Troops also seized one AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle belonging to the terrorists, three mobile phones, and a pair of desert camouflage uniform from the vicinity of the ambush site.
Additionally, the rescued victims were handed over to officials of the Shinkafi LGA, who were notified of the rescue operation and immediately addressed the needs of the victims, assuring that they would soon be reunited with their families.
OPFY reaffirms its commitment to the residents of the North West Zone and parts of North Central to maintain aggressive operations until terrorism and banditry are fully eradicated from the states within the OPFY Theatre.
“Members of the public are also urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the Theatre,” the statement added.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli