Troops have rescued three kidnap victims and foiled a planned terrorist attack in separate operations across Zamfara and Sokoto states, recovering weapons, ammunition and other items abandoned by fleeing suspects.
The operations, carried out by troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and improve security across the region.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the first operation took place on June 22 at Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where troops on routine offensive patrol rescued three women who had been held captive by their abductors.
Danja said the victims were abandoned by the suspects following sustained military pressure in the area.
“The victims were abandoned by the terrorists as a result of sustained military pressure mounted by troops in the area,” he stated.
The rescued women were identified as 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu of Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as well as 20-year-old Hafsat Ibrahim and 17-year-old Halira Usman, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to the military, the victims had spent about three months in captivity before regaining their freedom.
Danja said the women were immediately evacuated for medical evaluation and other necessary support.
In a separate operation conducted on June 23, troops of 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA reportedly acted on intelligence indicating that armed suspects were moving towards Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State to carry out an attack.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush along the route.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops sprang an ambush to intercept the suspects. On sighting the troops, the terrorists came under overwhelming fire, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee,” Danja said.
He added that the fleeing suspects left behind a PKT machine gun, ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected to have been used for restraining captives, and other operational items.
Recovered exhibits included one PKT machine gun, a cache of ammunition, two motorcycles and other materials believed by the military to have been used in the suspects’ operations.
The military spokesperson said the outcomes of the operations reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and sustained offensive actions against terrorist and criminal groups operating in the North-West.
“The rescue of the kidnap victims and recovery of weapons and other operational items further highlight the vigilance, professionalism and commitment of troops to safeguarding communities across the area of responsibility,” he said.
Danja reiterated the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups, bandits and other criminal elements across the region.
“The Joint Task Force remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and will continue operations aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and normalcy across the North-West,” he added.
