Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have rescued nine hostages and neutralised several armed militants in a coordinated ambush along the Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda corridor, spanning Sokoto and Zamfara States in northwestern Nigeria.
According to a statement by OPFY spokesperson Captain David Adewusi, the counterterrorism operation was launched late on 31 August 2025 following credible intelligence indicating that militants were transporting captives through a known transit route.
“On noticing the presence of troops, the terrorists attempted to use their captives as human shields. The soldiers responded methodically and decisively, neutralising a number of terrorists while others fled with gunshot wounds,” Adewusi explained.
The operation led to the safe rescue of nine victims — three women and six children abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto. They were evacuated to the General Hospital in Shinkafi for immediate medical attention.
Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 20 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and a desert camouflage uniform from the ambush site.
The rescued victims have since been handed over to Shinkafi local government officials, who assured that arrangements were underway to reunite them with their families.
Captain Adewusi reaffirmed OPFY’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations across the North West and parts of the North Central.
“Residents are urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the theatre,” he said.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA is the Nigerian military’s joint counter-terrorism and anti-banditry mission in the region.