Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
In another significant breakthrough against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued three kidnapped farmers who escaped from a terrorist enclave after spending five days in captivity.
The rescue, carried out by troops of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, underscores the military’s sustained offensive operations and continuous patrols aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement while safeguarding vulnerable communities across Katsina and neighbouring states.
The operation took place on 19 July 2026, when soldiers conducting a routine foot patrol around Unguwan Doka in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State intercepted three exhausted men wandering through the bush under suspicious circumstances.
Following preliminary profiling, the men identified themselves as victims of kidnapping. They revealed that armed terrorists had abducted them on 14 July 2026 while they were working on their farms at Anguwan Danhalima village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The rescued victims were identified as Surajo Aliyu (37), Anas Usman (32), and Nura Jamilu (16).
The survivors recounted a harrowing experience of captivity in the terrorists’ hideout, where they endured days of uncertainty before seizing a rare opportunity to escape. According to them, a heavy downpour on the night of their escape provided the cover they needed to flee after their armed captors fell asleep.
Their successful escape eventually brought them into contact with the Nigerian Army patrol, whose timely intervention ensured their safety and prevented the possibility of recapture.
Following the rescue, the victims were immediately evacuated to the military facility at Unguwan Doka, where they received preliminary medical attention and stabilization. Arrangements are currently underway to hand them over to the appropriate local government authorities for reunification with their families.
The incident highlights the effectiveness of persistent military patrols under Operation Fansan Yamma, which continues to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, rescue kidnapped victims, and restore security across the North-West.
As security operations gather momentum, the rescue offers renewed hope to communities affected by banditry and serves as a reminder of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and dismantling criminal networks operating across the region.
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