June 24 (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has recorded significant operational successes across the North-West and South-East regions, rescuing kidnapped victims in Zamfara State, foiling a planned terrorist attack in Sokoto State, and neutralising three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Anambra State.
The operations, conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA and Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, also led to the recovery of sophisticated weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), motorcycles, communication gadgets and other operational items.
In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued three female kidnap victims during a routine offensive patrol at Bagega in Anka Local Government Area on June 22, 2026.
According to military authorities, the victims were abandoned by their captors due to sustained military pressure on terrorist and bandit enclaves in the area. The women had reportedly spent about three months in captivity before regaining their freedom.
The rescued victims were identified as 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu of Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as well as 20-year-old Hafsat Ibrahim and 17-year-old Halira Usman, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The Army said the victims were immediately evacuated for medical evaluation and necessary care.
In a related development, troops of the 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully thwarted a planned terrorist attack in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State on June 23.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops laid an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, where terrorists were reportedly moving to launch attacks on nearby communities.
Upon sighting the troops, the terrorists came under heavy fire and fled the scene in disarray, abandoning their mission and leaving behind a cache of operational items.
Recovered exhibits included a PKT machine gun, ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected to have been used to restrain kidnap victims, and other materials believed to be linked to the group’s activities.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, working alongside sister security agencies, neutralised three suspected ESN operatives during an intelligence-led operation along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Military authorities said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that armed criminals disguised in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms were planning violent attacks in the area.
The suspects were intercepted while travelling in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle, leading to a fierce gun battle during which three ESN operatives were neutralised.
Following the encounter, troops conducted an extensive exploitation of the area and recovered a PKM machine gun with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices, communication devices, a laptop computer and the vehicle used by the suspects.
Security personnel also recovered identification and financial documents believed to belong to members of the criminal network.
The Army said follow-up operations are ongoing to track and apprehend fleeing members of the group, including those who may have sustained injuries during the firefight.
Military authorities described the separate operations as major breakthroughs in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist, bandit and separatist networks across the country, noting that the successes underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens across all theatres of operation.
It also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community support remains critical to achieving lasting peace, security and stability across the country.
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