Troops rescue 2 hostages, recover 520 stolen livestock in Sokoto

Thursday, October 29, 2026 - Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted bandits' plan, as they rescued two herders and recovered 520 head of livestock in Sokoto State on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in a statement, said on 28 October 2026, troops of Sector 2, while conducting a fighting patrol to clear the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara State following reports of terrorist activities, came under a coordinated ambush by terrorists positioned on both sides of the road.

The troops responded with overwhelming firepower, courageously fighting through the ambush and inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, who subsequently withdrew from the area in disarray.

It said following the encounter, troops maintained their operational momentum, dominated the affected road and restored freedom of movement for commuters.

"One soldier sustained a gunshot injury during the firefight and was promptly evacuated for medical attention. The soldier is currently in stable condition," the statement said.

In a related development, troops of Sector 2, on 28 October 2026, successfully foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock and abduct herders at Takasaba Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

It said that, while acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorist activities in the area, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon 520 rustled livestock and two abducted herders.

The rescued victims, identified as Malam Sulaiman, aged 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, aged 14, were subsequently handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General WB Idris, commended the gallantry and fighting spirit of the troops and urged them to sustain the offensive against terrorist elements.

He also reassured residents of the Joint Operations Area of the military's unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security, while encouraging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.