Esther Oseyiomon
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and neutralised five terrorists during coordinated military offensives across Zamfara and Katsina states, as security forces intensify operations against armed groups in the North-West.
The successful operations, conducted by troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, also led to the destruction of several terrorist camps and the recovery of weapons, motorcycles and ammunition used by the criminal elements.
Military authorities said the rescue mission in Zamfara State followed a precision air interdiction by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, targeting terrorist enclaves located west of the Bagega Forest in Anka Local Government Area.
According to the military, troops subsequently launched a follow-up ground assault around the Bagega–Kawaye axis, where 31 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued from captivity after spending several weeks in terrorist camps.
The rescued victims were identified as indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka Local Government Areas across Zamfara and Sokoto states.
Security sources disclosed that the victims received immediate medical attention and humanitarian support before arrangements were made for their reunification with family members.
In another operation within Zamfara State, troops engaged terrorists along the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis during a clearance operation targeting known criminal hideouts.
During the fierce engagement, two terrorists were neutralised, while several identified camps used by the armed groups were destroyed by troops.
Military personnel also recovered fabricated rifles and four motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists for movement and attacks within surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, troops intercepted armed terrorists moving along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned attack.
Troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, killing three of them while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby forests.
Security sources revealed that one of the terrorists killed during the operation was later identified as a foot soldier loyal to notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani, who has been linked to several violent attacks across the region.
The operation also led to the recovery of motorcycles, rifles and quantities of ammunition from the terrorists.
Military authorities described the operations as part of ongoing aggressive offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting their logistics routes and restoring security across the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal groups and ensuring the protection of lives and property across Zamfara, Katsina and other affected states in the region.