Dare Babalola
Troops of Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised five terrorists and destroyed several terrorist camps during coordinated operations across parts of Zamfara State and Katsina State.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
According to the statement, the 31 victims were rescued in the Bagega–Kawaye axis of Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State following a precision air interdiction by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a follow-up ground assault on terrorist hideouts west of Bagega Forest.
The military said the victims, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were from Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka local government areas across Zamfara and Sokoto states.
“The kidnapped victims were rescued from captivity following a precision air interdiction conducted by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a follow-on ground operation on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest,” the statement said.
It added that the rescued victims had received medical attention and would be reunited with their families.
In another operation within Zamfara State, troops engaged terrorists along the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis, killing two of the insurgents and destroying identified camps. Security forces also recovered locally fabricated rifles and four motorcycles allegedly used by the criminals.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, troops intercepted terrorists moving through the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area. The military said intelligence indicated the suspects were on their way to carry out an attack.
Following what was described as a fierce exchange of gunfire, troops killed three terrorists and recovered motorcycles and ammunition. One of those killed was identified as a foot soldier linked to notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani.
The military also recovered rifles and motorcycles from the two encounters.
Reaffirming its commitment to ongoing counterterrorism efforts, Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it remains determined to eliminate terrorist threats and ensure the safety of residents across the North-West region.
