The victims, comprising 15 males and 12 females, were rescued on Friday, 16 October 2026, by soldiers of the 17 Brigade deployed under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the operation began after troops received a distress call from residents of Gamji community at about 12.25pm, reporting suspected terrorist activities in the area.
On arriving at the community, the soldiers discovered that the suspected attackers had fled into nearby bushes with the abducted residents.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit, tracking the fleeing suspects through Gangare Village towards Kamba Village.
The soldiers reportedly caught up with the gunmen at about 6.05pm, triggering an exchange of gunfire. The sources said the troops’ superior firepower forced the suspects to abandon the captives and escape into the surrounding bushes.
Following the encounter, the soldiers searched the area and successfully recovered all 27 victims, including the infant.
The rescued residents were subsequently handed over to the Gamji village head, Alhaji Falalu Suleiman, after preliminary investigations.
The sources added that no soldier was killed or injured during the operation, although the number of casualties among the fleeing suspects remained unknown.
Military personnel have since sustained patrols across the area to prevent further attacks, restrict the movement of suspected terrorists and enhance the protection of residents.
The rescue comes amid persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups have carried out kidnappings and attacks on rural communities.
The operation also underscores the importance of timely intelligence from local residents and rapid military intervention in efforts to rescue abducted persons and curb insecurity in the region.
