Troops Rescue 31 Kidnap Victims, Kill Five Terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina Operations
By Passman Akpos
Troops of Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralized five terrorists, and destroyed several terrorist camps during a series of coordinated military operations across Zamfara and Katsina states.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the successful operations were carried out through a combination of precision air strikes and ground assaults targeting terrorist strongholds in the North-West region.
In Zamfara State, troops rescued 31 kidnapped victims along the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area. The victims were freed following a precision air interdiction by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a subsequent ground offensive against terrorist enclaves located west of the Bagega Forest.
Military authorities disclosed that the rescued victims had spent several weeks in captivity before regaining their freedom. They were identified as residents of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum, and Anka Local Government Areas across Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The victims have since received medical attention and are expected to be reunited with their families.
In another operation within Zamfara State, troops engaged terrorists along the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis. During the encounter, two terrorists were killed while several identified terrorist camps were destroyed.
Security forces also recovered a number of locally fabricated rifles and four motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminal elements for their operations.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, troops intercepted a group of terrorists moving through the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area. Intelligence reports indicated that the suspects were on their way to launch an imminent attack.
A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the death of three terrorists. Troops also recovered motorcycles, ammunition, and rifles from the scene.
Military sources revealed that one of the slain terrorists was later identified as a foot soldier working under the notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to eliminating terrorism, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-West region.
The military urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
