By Gloria Attah
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised five terrorists and destroyed several terrorist camps during coordinated operations across Zamfara and Katsina states.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the statement, the 31 victims were rescued during an operation around the Bagega-Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military said the victims regained their freedom following a precision air interdiction carried out by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a follow-up ground assault on terrorist hideouts located west of Bagega Forest.
The rescued victims, who reportedly spent several weeks in captivity, were identified as residents of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka local government areas in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
“The victims have been provided medical support and will be reunited with their families,” the statement said.
In a separate operation in Zamfara, troops engaged terrorists in the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis, killing two of the criminals and destroying identified terrorist camps.
Security forces also recovered several locally fabricated rifles and four motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.
Meanwhile, troops in Katsina State intercepted suspected terrorists along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area while they were allegedly moving to launch an attack.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing three of them and recovering motorcycles as well as quantities of ammunition.
The military revealed that one of the terrorists killed during the operation was identified as a foot soldier of notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani.
Additional rifles and motorcycles were recovered from the encounters.
The Army reiterated that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to eliminating terrorism and ensuring the safety of residents across the North-West region.
