OPFY Troops Rescue 9 Hostages, Kill Terrorists in Sokoto 

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have rescued nine persons kidnapped from Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State and neutralized scores of terrorists in a successful ambush conducted in Shinkafi LGA of  Zamfara State in the late hours of 31 September 2025.

The Media Information Officer  of the OPFY, Captain David Adewusi confirmed this to journalists saying the operation followed credible intelligence revealing terrorists’ movement within a known crossing point along Isa – Shinkafi – Kaura Namoda Road which links Zamfara and Sokoto States from one end.

It said that the troops laid in wait to ambush the terrorists,  however, on noticing the presence of the soldiers in the area, they attempted to use their captives who they were escorting as human shields.

Consequently, the troops responded methodically and decisively resulting in the neutralization of a handful of terrorists while many others fled with gunshot wounds.

During the operation, troops rescued nine kidnapped victims comprising three adult females and six underage children.

The rescued kidnapped victims who were abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni LGA, were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital Shinkafi for medical attention. 

Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle belonging to the terrorists, three mobile phones, and a pair of desert camouflage uniforms from the immediate surroundings of the ambush site. 

Furthermore, the victims were handed over to officials of the Shinkafi LGA who were informed of the rescue operation and they immediately responded to the needs of the victims while promising to ensure that the victims will be reunited with their families soon.

OPFY reassures residents of North West Zone and parts of North Central of its determination to sustain aggressive operations until terrorism and banditry are completely stamped out of states under OPFY Theatre.

Members of the public are also urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the Theatre.