Soldiers rescue 1,023 kidnap victims, recover 189 guns in N/West
Soldiers rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims and recovered 189 AK-47 rifles and 4,338 rounds of ammunition during various operations in the North West in 2025. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Sokoto, Maj Gen Ibikunle Ajose, disclosed this on Wednesday in Sokoto during the presentation of awards at the closing ceremony of the West African […]
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Soldiers rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims and recovered 189 AK-47 rifles and 4,338 rounds of ammunition during various operations in the North West in 2025.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Sokoto, Maj Gen Ibikunle Ajose, disclosed this on Wednesday in Sokoto during the presentation of awards at the closing ceremony of the West African Social Activities (WASA).
Ajose said the successes were recorded by the Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the region.
He said, “Within the year under review, troops successfully rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims and recovered 189 AK-47 rifles and 4,338 rounds of ammunition. Others included the seizure of 305 motorcycles used by bandits, the recovery of 4,123 stolen livestock and the neutralisation of several high-profile bandits’ leaders.’’
The GOC noted that the efforts restored security and economic confidence in the region, enabling farmers and citizens to resume their daily activities without fear.
He attributed the successes to the unwavering dedication of the division’s personnel and the strategic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu. (NAN)