By Elizabeth Tanko
Kebbi, Nigeria – Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have foiled terrorists’ ambush and rescued 11 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Ribah town and Wasagu-Falfala general area of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The successful operations were recorded on October 30 and 31, 2026, as troops sustained aggressive patrols and rapid response to distress calls across the area.
On October 30, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call that suspected terrorists had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road while attempting to invade Ribah town. On arrival, troops discovered the terrorists had fled with seven persons.
Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, in a statement on Sunday, said troops immediately mounted an aggressive pursuit towards Rambo village, forcing the assailants to release the victims under sustained pressure.
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. All are indigenes of Ribah town and have since been reunited with their families.
In a similar operation on October 31, troops of Sector 2, while on routine patrol in 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.
Captain Sinivie said 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,” he said.
The rescued persons were identified as Lawali Ali, 20; Samaila Shaibu, 14; Kasimu Shaibu, 20; and Aliyu Bala, 18. All residents of Wasagu village, they have since been handed over to the village head.
Captain Sinivie said 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,” he said.
