Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman, Foil Ransom Exchange in Kebbi State

A woman kidnapped from her farm last month has been rescued unharmed after troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, intercepted a planned ransom exchange in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Acting spokesperson for the troops, Lt Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the operation was carried out on credible intelligence about the ransom payment, prompting troops to mobilise and intercept the transaction swiftly.

The terrorists attempted to engage the advancing soldiers after spotting them, but were quickly overpowered.

‘The engagement forced the criminals to retreat in disarray, abandoning the hostage, who was subsequently secured by our troops,’ Osoba said in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.

He said the woman was found unharmed and safely transported to reunite with her family in the area.

Troops then moved to secure the surrounding terrain before heading back to base.

‘Following the rescue, troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the terrorists' withdrawal route to ensure that the area was fully secured before returning safely to base,’ he added.

In a separate operation, troops also carried out routine clearance and dominance patrols across parts of Ngaski Local Government Area, which Osoba said were completed without incident and formed part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of movement.

The military spokesman assured residents that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would sustain pressure on terrorists and bandits across Kebbi State and beyond.

‘We will keep the fire on everywhere the terrorists are. We will dismantle them to secure Kebbi State and Nigeria,’ Osoba said.

He called on residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing timely and credible information that could help prevent attacks and disrupt criminal activities.

‘We urge members of the public to continue sharing credible information with security agencies. Such intelligence is critical to thwarting the activities of criminal elements and securing our communities,’ he said.