Troops kill terrorist, rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara offensive

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed a suspected terrorist, rescued three kidnapped victims and destroyed a bandits’ hideout during a clearance operation in Zamfara State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in an operational report released on Saturday, detailing the outcome of military operations conducted on June 12 across communities in Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas.

According to the report, the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and other security threats across the North-West region.

The troops, while conducting a fighting patrol through Birnin Saba, Yanbuki and Sabon Garin Daudawa communities, encountered armed terrorists operating in Yanbuki District of Zurmi Local Government Area.

A gun battle ensued, during which one terrorist was neutralised, while several others escaped under sustained military pressure.

The Army said troops recovered a cache of items from the scene, including rifles, four ammunition-loaded magazines, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, two MP3 players, a woodland camouflage trouser and an inner vest.

The report added that the troops continued their advance toward Sabon Garin Daudawa, forcing the fleeing terrorists to abandon their camp.

On sighting the advancing soldiers, the criminals reportedly fled the location, enabling troops to clear and subsequently destroy the camp to prevent its future use as an operational base.

During the follow-up clearance operation, soldiers also rescued three kidnapped victims, who were safely evacuated from the area.

The military reaffirmed its determination to sustain aggressive operations against terrorist and bandit groups across Zamfara State and the wider North-West until criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored to affected communities.