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.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the successful operations were carried out through a combination of precision air strikes and ground offensives targeting terrorist enclaves in the North-West.
Osoba said the 31 victims were rescued in Zamfara State along the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area following a precision air interdiction by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a subsequent ground assault on terrorist hideouts west of Bagega Forest.
He noted that the victims, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were from various communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states, including Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka local government areas.
“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,” Osoba stated.
He added that the rescued victims had received medical attention and would be reunited with their families.
The Army spokesman further disclosed that troops engaged terrorists in the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis of Zamfara State, where two terrorists were neutralised and their camps destroyed.
“Troops neutralised two terrorists, destroyed identified terrorist camps and recovered several fabricated rifles as well as four motorcycles used by the criminals,” he said.
In Katsina State, troops reportedly intercepted armed terrorists 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 Osoba, a fierce gun battle ensued, leading to the death of three terrorists, while troops recovered motorcycles, ammunition and weapons from the scene.
“One of the terrorists neutralised was later identified as a foot soldier of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani,” he revealed.
The military authority reiterated its determination to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-West and restore peace across the region.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens across the North-West region,” Osoba said.
