Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 2 of Joint Task Force North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnap victims and recovered weapons, motorcycles and military accoutrements during separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The spokesman for the operation, Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that troops also foiled a planned terrorist attack.

“On 22 June 2026, troops on routine offensive patrol at Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State rescued three female kidnap victims who were abandoned by the terrorists as a result of sustained military pressure,” Mr Danja said. 

He said the victims had spent about three months in captivity. They were identified as 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu of Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and 20-year-old Hafsat Ibrahim and 17-year-old Halira Usman, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate care,” he said.

Mr Danja said troops also carried out a separate operation on June 23 in Sokoto State, where they ambushed terrorists allegedly moving to launch an attack.

“Acting on credible intelligence, sprang an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State to intercept terrorists reportedly moving to carry out attacks,” he said.

According to him, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled after encountering the troops, leaving behind a PKT machine gun, ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected to have been used to restrain captives and other items.

Mr Danja said the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led military actions and the sustained offensive against terrorist groups in the North-West.

“The rescue of the kidnap victims and the recovery of weapons and military accoutrements further highlight the vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the troops to safeguarding communities across the Area of Responsibility,” he noted.