Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised scores of terrorists and rescued nine persons kidnapped from Sabon Birni local government area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
A statement by the Media Information Officer, OPFY, Captain Adewusi David, said the feat was achieved in an ambush conducted in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State in the late hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025.
He said the operation followed credible intelligence revealing terrorists’ movement within a known crossing point along Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda Road, which links Zamfara and Sokoto States from one end.
He added that the troops laid in wait to ambush the terrorists, however, on noticing the presence of the soldiers in the area, they attempted to use their captives who they were escorting as human shields.
“Consequently, the troops responded methodically and decisively resulting in the neutralisation of a handful of terrorists while many others fled with gunshot wounds,” Captain David said.
The statement noted that during the operation, troops rescued nine kidnap victims comprising three adult females and six underage children.
He said the rescued kidnap victims who were abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital Shinkafi for medical attention.
The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle belonging to the terrorists, three mobile phones, and a pair of desert camouflage uniform from the immediate surroundings of the ambush site.
The troops’ spokesman noted further that the officials of the Shinkafi LGA who were informed of the rescue operation immediately responded to the needs of the victims while promising to ensure that the victims will be reunited with their families soon.
The OPFY reassured residents of North-West zone and parts of North-Central of its determination to sustain aggressive operations until terrorism and banditry are completely stamped out of states under OPFY Theatre.
The statement further urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the theatre.