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Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed two suspected terrorists, rescued a kidnapped victim, arrested eight suspected collaborators and recovered 110 rustled cattle during separate operations in Kaduna and Zamfara states.
The operations, conducted between June 27 and 28, were disclosed in a statement on Monday by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops from Sector 1, working with local vigilantes, encountered terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles while on patrol in Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas of Kaduna State on June 27.
The task force said the terrorists fled after a gun battle, abandoning two motorcycles. One kidnapped victim was rescued alive, while another was found dead after reportedly being killed by the attackers.
“A combined team of Sector 1 troops and members of the Vigilante Group, while conducting fighting patrols in Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas of Kaduna State on June 27, engaged terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles.
“Following a fierce exchange of fire, the terrorists abandoned two motorcycles and fled into the surrounding bush. Troops rescued one kidnapped victim alive, while sadly recovering the body of another victim whom the terrorists had killed,” the statement read.
The troops later responded to an attack on Dariya Village in Giwa Local Government Area, where one resident was killed, and three others sustained injuries before security personnel arrived.
The statement said troops pursued the fleeing attackers and engaged them in another exchange of gunfire, killing two suspected terrorists. One motorcycle, ammunition, charms and other personal items were recovered during the operation.
“Pursuing the fleeing terrorists, the troops intercepted them on motorcycles and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising two of the terrorists. During the encounter, one motorcycle, some rounds of ammunition, charms and other personal effects were recovered,” the statement read.
In Zamfara State, troops from Sector 2 arrested two suspects in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area, over allegations that they were providing medical assistance to terrorist groups operating in the area.
Meanwhile, troops from Sector 1 apprehended six additional suspects near Polewire Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State after intercepting fleeing terrorists during a patrol. The suspects are currently under investigation.
The task force also said troops, supported by members of the Vigilante Group, tracked suspected cattle rustlers in Chikun Local Government Area on Sunday.
Security operatives reportedly laid an ambush along the suspects’ escape route at Ungwan Gora bush, forcing them to abandon 110 stolen cattle and flee. The recovered livestock has since been returned to its owners.
“The sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the rustlers to abandon the stolen livestock and flee, leading to the successful recovery of all 110 rustled cattle. The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners,” Danja stated.
The task force said it would sustain offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal groups while urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing security efforts.
“The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist and criminal groups freedom of action while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across the North West.”
