By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralized five terrorists and dismantled several terrorist camps during coordinated operations conducted across Zamfara and Katsina States.
In an official signed statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the military disclosed that the operations recorded significant successes against terrorist elements operating within the North-West region.
According to the statement, troops in Zamfara State successfully rescued 31 kidnapped victims around the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area following a precision air interdiction carried out by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a follow-on ground assault on terrorist enclaves located west of Bagega Forest.
The statement noted that the victims, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were identified as indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka Local Government Areas across Zamfara and Sokoto States.
Lieutenant Colonel Osoba stated that the rescued victims had received medical attention and would subsequently be reunited with their families.
The military further disclosed that troops, during another operation in Zamfara State, engaged terrorists around the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis, where two terrorists were neutralized and identified terrorist camps destroyed.
Items recovered during the operation included fabricated rifles and four motorcycles used by the criminal elements.
In Katsina State, troops reportedly intercepted terrorists in transit along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area while they were allegedly preparing for an imminent attack.
Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, troops neutralized three terrorists and recovered motorcycles as well as quantities of ammunition.
The statement added that one of the terrorists killed during the operation was later identified as a foot soldier loyal to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani.
Recovered items from the separate encounters also included rifles and motorcycles.
The military reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to eliminating terrorism and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-West region of the country.
