Troops disrupt ransom payment, rescue woman from kidnappers

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued a woman who was kidnapped from her farm in Kebbi State after intercepting a planned ransom payment in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 2 following intelligence about the scheduled exchange, according to the acting spokesperson for the formation, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba.

Osoba said in a statement on Thursday that the troops moved quickly to the location but were confronted by the kidnappers as they approached.

He said the criminals opened fire but were overwhelmed by the troops and fled, leaving the hostage behind.

“The engagement forced the criminals to retreat in disarray, abandoning the hostage, who was subsequently secured by our troops,” Osoba said.

The woman was found unharmed and later taken to safety before being reunited with her family in Danko-Wasagu.

Osoba said troops also searched the route used by the fleeing criminals to ensure the area was safe before withdrawing 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.

He said troops had also carried out clearance and dominance patrols in parts of Ngaski Local Government Area, with no incident recorded.

Osoba said the military would maintain pressure on terrorists and bandits operating in Kebbi and other parts of the country.

“We will keep the fire on everywhere the terrorists are. We will dismantle them to secure Kebbi State and Nigeria,” he said.

He appealed to residents to continue providing security agencies with credible information to 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.