Troops rescue 31 from kidnappers, kill 5 terrorists in Northwest operations

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian Army has listed rescue of 31 kidnapped victims and elimination of five terrorists among recent achievements of troops deployed for operations in Katsina and Zamfara States in the Northwest part of the country.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the spokesperson of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA who announced this in a statement of Friday added that the troops also dismantled several terrorists’ camps in the series of coordinated operations.

Giving details of the operations, Osoba said the 31 victims were rescued following a precision air interdiction conducted by the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a follow-on ground operation on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest in Anka local government area of Zamfara State.

According to the statement, the rescued individuals, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were identified as indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum, and Anka LGAs across Zamfara and Sokoto States.

“The victims were provided medical support and will be reunited with their respective families,” Osoba said.

The spokesperson added that troops made contact with terrorists in Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis of Zamfara where they neutralized two terrorists and destroyed identified terrorist camps.

He added that the troops also recovered several fabricated rifles and four motorcycles used by the criminals.

Osoba added that in Katsina, troops intercepted terrorists in transit at Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu LGA who are in transit for an imminent attack.

“Following a fierce firefight, troops neutralized three terrorists, recovered motorcycles and some quantities of ammunition. One of the terrorists neutralized was later identified as a foot soldier of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani. Rifles and motorcycles were recovered from the two encounters,” he said

The spokesperson added that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA remained resolute in its commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens across the Northwest.