Troops rescue 32 kidnap victims, kill two terrorists in Katsina offensive

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised two terrorists during a major operation in Katsina State.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists holding kidnapped victims within the area.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops swiftly mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle after making contact with them.

The statement said the coordinated assault overwhelmed the criminals, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.

During the operation, troops neutralised two terrorists, while a subsequent exploitation of the area led to the successful rescue of 32 abducted persons comprising nine men, 10 women and 13 children.

The military also disclosed that troops destroyed identified terrorist hideouts and life-support structures within the enclave to prevent the criminals from re-establishing operational bases in the area.

Items recovered during the offensive included two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun butt, one revolver chamber, eight PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition and 10 motorcycles.

Troops also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the operation.

The rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety, where they are currently receiving medical attention and necessary care.

The military described the operation as another significant success in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West region.

“The continued operational successes recorded by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain a testament to the commitment, professionalism and resilience of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities within the North West region,” the statement read.

The Theatre Command also appreciated the support of residents and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations across the region.