Army rescues 31 abductees, neutralises five terrorists in North-West

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed five suspected terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.

The operations, conducted by troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, also led to the destruction of terrorist camps and the recovery of weapons, motorcycles and ammunition.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, 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.

Osoba said the rescue followed a precision air strike by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a follow-up ground assault on terrorist enclaves located west of Bagega Forest.

The victims, who were reportedly held in captivity for several weeks, were from communities in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

“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.

He added that the rescued victims had received medical attention and would be reunited with their families.

In a separate operation along the Maradun–Gidan Dan Jaja axis of Zamfara State, troops engaged suspected terrorists, killing two of them and destroying several camps.

The military also recovered locally fabricated rifles and four motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects.

Meanwhile, troops intercepted suspected terrorists along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State while they were allegedly moving to launch an attack.

According to the army, three suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, while motorcycles and ammunition were recovered.

Osoba said one of the suspects killed was identified as a foot soldier linked to notorious bandit leader, Muhammad Fulani.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the North-West region.