Nigeria: Troops Rescue 18 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Two Lakurawa Suspects

What the report says

Troops under Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 18 kidnapped people and detained two suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations in Zamfara State, according to Vanguard, which was republished by AllAfrica. The actions took place on Monday, August 10, 2026, after intelligence reports and distress calls prompted military responses in several parts of the state.

In one incident near Sabon Gari village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops responded to a reported terrorist sighting and engaged armed men on arrival. The military said 18 abducted people were freed, including Alhaji Aminu Dayau and his children, though some captives were taken across a river by the attackers before all could be recovered. Search efforts for the remaining victims were said to be continuing.

In another intelligence-led operation, soldiers arrested two suspected Lakurawa members, identified as Abdul Rahman Bouye and Mohammed Jamilu, both reportedly from Niger Republic. The report said they were suspected of assisting militant activity in the Zurmi area, including support linked to improvised explosive devices. They were being held for transfer to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

The article also described additional clashes in Maradun and Tsafe local government areas, where troops encountered armed groups, but recorded no military casualties. More broadly, the report shows that insecurity in parts of Zamfara remains active and fluid, with forces continuing patrols and rescue efforts.