Troops Overwhelm Terrorists, Free 9 Hostages in Zamfara

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised several terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims during a late-night ambush in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The victims, abducted from Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, were freed after troops intercepted the terrorists along the Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda Road, a notorious route linking Zamfara and Sokoto.

Confirming the operation in a statement on Monday, the Media Information Officer of OPFY, Captain Adewusi David, said the troops had acted on credible intelligence before laying a successful ambush.

He explained that on sighting the soldiers, the terrorists attempted to use their captives 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,” he said.

According to him, all nine victims, including women and children, were rescued unharmed and are receiving necessary medical attention before reuniting with their families.

Security observers noted that the operation highlights the growing effectiveness of coordinated military offensives against armed groups that have plagued communities in the North-West with kidnappings and attacks.