Troops rescue 31 abductees, kill five terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina operations
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised five terrorists and destroyed several terrorist camps during coordinated operations in Zamfara and Katsina States.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the statement, the 31 victims were rescued during operations around the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following a precision air interdiction by the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a subsequent ground assault on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest.
The rescued victims, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were said to be indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States. They have since received medical attention and are expected to be reunited with their families.
In another operation in Zamfara State, troops engaged terrorists along the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis, killing two of them and destroying identified camps used by the criminals. Several locally fabricated rifles and four motorcycles were recovered during the operation.
Similarly, in Katsina State, troops intercepted suspected terrorists along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area while they were reportedly moving to launch an attack.
The army said three terrorists were killed during the ensuing gun battle, while motorcycles and ammunition were recovered. One of those killed was identified as a foot soldier of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani.
The military reiterated that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to eliminating terrorism and other criminal activities across the North-West, assuring residents of continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the region.
