Troops rescue nine kidnap victims in Zamfara

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have rescued nine kidnapped victims, including women and children, after ambushing terrorists in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The hostages, abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, were freed following intelligence on the movement of the terrorists along the Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda road, according to Captain David Adewusi, OPFY spokesperson.

“The criminals attempted to use their captives as human shields but were overpowered in a decisive exchange of fire. Scores of terrorists were neutralized, while others fled with gunshot wounds,” Adewusi said.

The rescued victims—three women and six children—were taken to General Hospital Shinkafi for medical examination before being handed over to local authorities for reunification with their families.

Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with two magazines, 20 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and a desert camouflage uniform at the scene.

OPFY assured residents that operations to eliminate terrorism and banditry in the North-West and parts of the North-Central would continue, while urging the public to provide credible intelligence to aid security forces.