Troops Rescue Two Kidnapped Herders, Recover 520 Livestock in Sokoto

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued two kidnapped herders and recovered 520 head of livestock allegedly rustled by suspected terrorists in Sokoto State.

The operation took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Takasaba village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement, saying the troops acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area.

According to him, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon the livestock and the two abducted herders.

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

Troops repel ambush in Zamfara

In a related operation, troops of Sector 2 reportedly repelled an ambush by suspected terrorists along the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara State on the same day.

Captain Sinivie said the troops were conducting a fighting patrol to clear the road following reports of terrorist activities when armed men positioned on both sides of the route launched a coordinated attack.

He said the soldiers responded with firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining casualties.

The troops subsequently maintained their presence along the road to restore freedom of movement for commuters.

However, one soldier sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange of fire and was evacuated for medical attention. The military said the soldier was in stable condition.

Military pledges continued operations

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General W.B. Idris, commended the troops for their conduct during the operations and urged them to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the region.

He also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security across its joint operational area.

The commander called on residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against armed groups.

The latest operations come amid continued security challenges in parts of the North-West, where communities have faced attacks, kidnappings and livestock rustling.

The Daily Reality