Troops rescue 11 kidnapped victims in two separate operations in Kebbi
Troops Rescue 11 Kidnapped Victims in Kebbi State Operations
KEDO, Nigeria — Troops from Operation Fansan Yamma successfully rescued 11 individuals kidnapped in two separate operations in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State on October 30 and 31, 2026.
Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, spokesman for the 8 Division based in Sokoto, confirmed the rescues in a statement released on Sunday. The operations were prompted by distress calls reporting that armed bandits had blocked a road leading to Ribah town and attempted to invade the community.
Upon arrival, troops discovered that some residents had been abducted, with motorcycles left abandoned at the scene. Following a pursuit, the military engaged the attackers in a gun battle, which compelled them to retreat and abandon seven victims. The rescued individuals were identified as Sa’adu Bala, Dantani Yahyi, Nura Musa, Nasiru Muhammad, Abdulakeem Abubakar, Abdulahi Maikudi, and Zaki Gom. All seven victims have been reunited with their families.
In a separate incident in Wasagu, troops on routine patrol were attacked by suspected terrorists but successfully repelled the assault. During the engagement, four additional victims, abducted from their farms, were recovered. The rescued individuals were identified as Lawali Ali, Samaila Shuaibu, Kasimu Shuaibu, and Aliyu Bala, all residents of the village. They have since been handed over to the head of the community.
The military has reiterated its commitment to ongoing operations against banditry and other criminal activities, assuring local residents of their continued efforts to protect lives and property in the region.
