Nigerian troops involved in Operation Fansan Yamma have freed 11 people who were abducted in two missions carried out in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State on October 30 and 31, 2026.
Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, spokesman for the 8 Division in Sokoto, said the first rescue followed an emergency report that armed bandits had set up a roadblock on the route to Ribah town and were seeking to enter the community. Soldiers sent to the location found evidence that residents had been taken away, including motorcycles left behind by the attackers.
The troops tracked the armed group and exchanged fire with them, prompting the bandits to retreat. During their escape, they left behind seven captives: Sa’adu Bala, Dantani Yahyi, Nura Musa, Nasiru Muhammad, Abdulakeem Abubakar, Abdulahi Maikudi and Zaki Gom. All seven have since been returned to their families.
In a second operation near Wasagu, troops on a regular patrol were attacked by suspected terrorists. The soldiers repelled the assault, compelling the attackers to withdraw and leave four abducted people behind.
The four had been seized while working on farms in Wasagu village before the military intervention. They were named as Lawali Ali, Samaila Shuaibu, Kasimu Shuaibu and Aliyu Bala, all from Wasagu, and were later transferred to the village head.
The military said it would maintain pressure on bandit groups and other criminal networks, pledging continued action to safeguard residents, property and economic activity across affected communities.
