Troops foil terrorist ambush, rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kebbi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during separate operations conducted in Ribah town and Wasagu-Falfala, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Force spokesperson, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Sinivie said troops of Sector 2, on October 30, responded to a distress call on terrorists who had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road while attempting to invade Ribah town.

Sinivie said on the troops, upon arrival at the scene, discovered that the terrorists had fled with seven persons.

He noted that the troops later pursued the fleeing terrorists towards Rambo village, forcing the insurgents to release the victims under sustained pressure.

“The rescued victims were Sa’adu Bala, 53; Nura Musa, 25; Dantami Yahyi, 57; and Nasiru Muhammad, 21. Others are Abdulakeem Abubakar, 23; Abdulahi Maikudi, 32; and Zaki Gambo, 56. They are all indigenes of Ribah town and have since been reunited with their families,” Sinivie stated.

Fire destroys 110 structures at Kano timber market

Sinivie revealed that the troops of Sector 2, while conducting a routine patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala area to safeguard residents and deny terrorists freedom of action on October 31, came under fire from terrorists who had laid an ambush along the route.

He said the troops responded swiftly and fought through the ambush with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.

He added: “During exploitation of the area, the troops discovered four kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists amid the ensuing exchange of fire.

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

“The 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.”

Sinivie urged the general public to continue supporting the troops by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.