Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued nine kidnapped victims and recovered 34 cows and 74 rams during security operations in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The victims were rescued during separate operations conducted on November 3, 2026, in the Danko general area and Sabon Tunga and Binoni communities.
The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 received a distress call on November 3 about suspected bandits who had invaded the Danko general area, abducted residents and rustled cattle.
It said the troops immediately mobilised to the area and engaged the suspected bandits, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
The military personnel subsequently rescued two victims identified as Barbuga Bawashe, 26, and Barka Dakaji, 61.
The troops also recovered 34 cows and 74 rams suspected to have been rustled by the fleeing criminals.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops rescued seven other kidnapped victims in Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages.
The statement said the victims, who had reportedly spent several months in captivity, escaped from their abductors amid sustained military operations in the area.
Those rescued were identified as Muhammad Dogonta, 60; Zakari Yahu, 32; Basara Sheu, 10; Adam Shehu, 12; Hatsat Umar, 14; Albaria Hamsu, 12; and Yehusa Lawali, 35.
The rescued victims have since been handed over to the District Head of Unashi for onward reunion with their families.
The Joint Task Force said it remained committed to protecting lives and property across its operational area, while urging residents to support ongoing security operations with timely and credible information.
It said public cooperation would enhance the effectiveness of the troops and help facilitate ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and other criminal activities in the North-West.
