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Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed five suspected terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Olaniyi Osoba.
The military said the operations, conducted by troops of Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, also resulted in the destruction of terrorist camps and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and motorcycles.
According to the statement, the 31 victims were rescued during an operation along the Bagega-Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Osoba said the rescue followed a precision air strike carried out by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which was followed by a ground assault on terrorist hideouts located west of Bagega Forest.
“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,” he said.
The rescued victims, who had reportedly spent several weeks in captivity, were said to be from communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states, including Anka, Bukuyyum, Gummi, Wasugu, Zuru and Maga.
He added that the victims had received medical attention and would be reunited with their families.
In a separate operation in Zamfara, troops engaged suspected terrorists along the Maradun-Gidan Dan Jaja corridor, where two of the assailants were killed and several camps destroyed.
The military also recovered locally fabricated rifles and four motorcycles allegedly used by the criminals.
Meanwhile, troops operating in Katsina State intercepted armed men along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area while they were allegedly moving to carry out an attack.
According to the army, three suspected terrorists were killed during the ensuing gun battle, while motorcycles and ammunition were recovered from the scene.
“Troops intercepted terrorists in transit for an imminent attack. Following a fierce firefight, troops neutralized three terrorists and recovered motorcycles and quantities of ammunition,” he stated.
Osoba said one of those killed was believed to be a foot soldier working for a notorious terrorist leader identified as Muhammad Fulani.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against armed groups and criminal elements across the North-West, stating that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remained focused on restoring security and protecting communities in the region.
