Army Rescues 1,023 Kidnap Victims, Recovers 189 AK-47s in North-West Operations
The Nigerian Army has rescued no fewer than 1,023 kidnap victims and recovered 189 AK-47 rifles during sustained counter-banditry operations across the North-West region.
The General Officer Commanding, 8 Division Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) celebration at the Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto.
Ajose said the achievements were recorded over the past year through coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations conducted by troops of the Division in bandit-prone areas of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and adjoining states.
According to him, in addition to the rescue of abducted victims, troops recovered 4,338 rounds of ammunition, seized 305 motorcycles commonly used by bandits, and recovered 4,123 rustled livestock. He added that several high-profile bandit leaders were also neutralised during the operations.
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“The successes recorded by our troops have significantly degraded the operational capacity of bandits and terrorists in the North-West. These efforts have restored confidence among the people and enabled farmers and traders to return to their legitimate activities without fear,” Ajose said.
He described the outcome of Operation FANSAN YAMMA as evidence that the war against banditry and terrorism in the region was being progressively won, attributing the gains to the resilience of troops and the strategic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
The GOC also noted that the Division had prioritised troop welfare, with ongoing upgrades of medical facilities and accommodation across formations, stressing that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale and operational effectiveness.
Representing the Sokoto State Governor, the Special Adviser on Security, Colonel Ahmed Abdu (retd.), commended the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He described WASA as a symbol of unity, discipline and cultural pride, and reaffirmed the state government’s partnership with the military in the pursuit of lasting peace.
The event featured cultural performances, displays of cuisines from different formations, and a tug-of-war contest, as soldiers, their families and guests celebrated the operational milestones recorded by the Division.
By PRNigeria
