Nigerian military forces under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (an ongoing counter-banditry campaign in Nigeria's restive North-west) rescued 27 kidnap victims across Sokoto and Zamfara states during operations on 20–21 July. Troops freed six victims after a gun battle in Kaura community, recovered 10 others found wandering in bush near Badanma, and intercepted an attack on the Gummi-Sokoto highway where 11 commuters had been seized by armed terrorists. The operations reflect intensified efforts to dismantle bandit networks in a region that has suffered persistent kidnappings and attacks on civilian communities.