By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and neutralised five terrorists in coordinated operations across Zamfara and Katsina States, in what military authorities described as a sustained push against armed criminal networks in the North-West.
The operations, which combined air interdiction missions and ground assaults, also led to the dismantling of several terrorist hideouts and the recovery of firearms, motorcycles and other logistics items used by the criminals.
In Zamfara State, the troops rescued the 31 victims around the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area following a precision airstrike conducted by the Air Component of the operation. The air action was immediately followed by a ground clearance operation targeting identified terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest.
The victims, who were reportedly held in captivity for several weeks, were identified as indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka Local Government Areas across Zamfara and Sokoto States. They were given medical attention after rescue and are expected to be reunited with their families.
In a separate engagement within Zamfara State, troops made contact with terrorists in the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis, where two terrorists were neutralised and their camps destroyed. Several fabricated rifles and four motorcycles were recovered during the operation.
In Katsina State, troops intercepted terrorists on transit along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area, disrupting what officials described as an imminent attack plan.
Following a fierce exchange of fire, three terrorists were neutralised, while motorcycles and ammunition were recovered from the scene. One of the neutralised suspects was later identified as a foot soldier of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani.
Military authorities said additional weapons and motorcycles were also recovered from both encounters, further degrading the operational capacity of the criminal networks.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustained offensive operations aimed at eliminating terrorist threats and restoring lasting security across the North-West region.
