Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued a kidnapped woman after disrupting a planned ransom collection by suspected terrorists in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The operation unfolded after soldiers received credible intelligence that the kidnappers were preparing to collect a ransom for the woman, who had been abducted while working on her farm last month. The rescue was confirmed by the acting spokesperson for the troops, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, who detailed the sequence of events to reporters.
How the Rescue Unfolded
According to Lt. Col. Osoba, the military moved swiftly to intercept the exchange before any money could change hands. “The engagement forced the criminals to retreat in disarray, abandoning the hostage, who was subsequently secured by our troops,” he said. The terrorists, upon noticing the approaching troops, attempted to fight back but were overpowered by the soldiers, forcing them to flee and leave the woman behind.
The kidnapped woman was rescued without injuries and was later reunited with her family in Danko-Wasagu. Following the rescue, troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the terrorists’ withdrawal route to ensure the area was fully secured before returning to base, Osoba added.
Broader Military Operations in Kebbi
In a related operation, troops carried out routine clearance and dominance patrols across parts of Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State. According to the military, the patrols ended peacefully and were part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists and bandits freedom to operate across the state.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA is one of the military’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations targeting bandits and other armed criminal groups in northwestern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge. Osoba assured residents that the military would continue to intensify operations against criminal groups in Kebbi and neighbouring states.
Military’s Commitment and Appeal to the Public
“We will keep the fire on everywhere the terrorists are. We will dismantle them to secure Kebbi State and Nigeria,” Osoba said. He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could help prevent attacks and rescue victims faster.
“We urge members of the public to continue sharing credible information with security agencies. Such intelligence is critical to thwarting the activities of criminal elements and securing our communities,” he said. The military’s quick response in this incident underscores its ongoing commitment to tackling banditry and kidnapping in the region, with residents encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperative.
