Troops of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded fresh operational successes across Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states, rescuing seven kidnapped victims, neutralising two suspected terrorists, arresting eight suspected collaborators and logistics facilitators, and recovering 110 rustled cattle in a series of coordinated operations.
In Katsina State, troops of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army rescued six kidnapped victims during a routine foot patrol at Unguwan Doka in Faskari Local Government Area on June 29.
The victims, Umaima Isiaku, 30; Amina Isiaku, 16; Safiya Isiaku, 15; Ramatu Suleiman, 30; Muhammad Shehu, 4; and Ibrahim Suleiman, 2, were found wandering in the bush after escaping from their abductors.
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Capt. Abayomi Adisa, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been abducted by armed bandits from Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area on June 22.
The military said the rescued victims were given first aid, food and other immediate necessities before being reunited with their families.
“The Brigade remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements while ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across its area of responsibility,” Adisa quoted the Commander, 17 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ishaya Ibrahim, as saying.
In a separate development, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations across Kaduna and Zamfara states between June 27 and 28, recording further gains against terrorist and bandit groups.
According to the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West), Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group, engaged suspected terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles in Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
The operation led to the rescue of one kidnapped victim, while another victim was found dead after being killed by the fleeing terrorists.
Later the same day, troops responding to a terrorist attack on Dariya Village in Giwa Local Government Area pursued the fleeing attackers and neutralised two suspected terrorists during a gun battle. One motorcycle, ammunition, charms and other items were recovered during the operation.
In Zamfara State, troops operating in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area arrested two suspects believed to have provided medical support to terrorist groups.
Similarly, six other suspects were arrested during a fighting patrol around Polewire Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State after troops encountered fleeing terrorists.
On June 28, troops, working alongside members of the Vigilante Group in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, recovered 110 cattle allegedly rustled by fleeing criminals after laying a snap ambush along their suspected escape route. The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist and criminal groups freedom of action while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across the North West,” Danja said.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to facilitate ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations.
The latest operations underscore the military’s sustained offensive against terrorist and bandit networks aimed at improving security and protecting communities across the North-West.
