Troops kill Lakurawa terrorists, rescue 62 hostages Kebbi, Zamfara operations

By Ayox Ojo

Nigerian Army troops have killed two terrorists and rescued 62 hostages in Zamfara State during coordinated operations across Kebbi and Zamfara States.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to him, the operation in Kenni followed actionable intelligence on the movement of members of the Lakurawa terrorist group near the border between Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi and Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto.

“Troops laid an ambush at Kerani village, where they engaged the terrorists, resulting in the elimination of two of them and the recovery of two motorcycles,” Osoba said.

According to the statement, the terrorists were wearing camouflage uniforms and riding motorcycles padded with thick blankets and fitted with equipment for long-range movement, including hand tyre pumps.

In Zamfara, Osoba said troops raided Munhaye Forest, a known hideout of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Alti, following intelligence that captives were being held in the area.

He said the operation led to the successful rescue of 62 kidnapped victims who are now in safe custody.

Osoba added that arrangements are ongoing to reunite the freed hostages with their families after preliminary screening and necessary support.

He also revealed that the operations were conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, underscoring a unified front against banditry and terrorism in the North-West.

“These successes reflect the relentless efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle criminal networks, restore security and protect lives in the region,” he added.