Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected terrorists in Katsina State.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, took place in the early hours of Friday at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area following credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Aliyu Danja, on Friday night, troops swiftly mobilised to the location after receiving reports that terrorists were holding kidnapped victims within the enclave.
On arrival, the troops reportedly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, overpowering the terrorists and forcing them to flee while abandoning their captives.
“Troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce and well-coordinated firefight that overwhelmed the terrorists and forced them to abandon their captives while fleeing in disarray,” the statement said.
During the encounter, two terrorists were neutralised, while troops successfully rescued 32 kidnapped victims, including nine men, 10 women, and 13 children.
The military also disclosed that troops destroyed identified terrorist hideouts and life-support structures within the area to prevent the criminals from re-establishing operational bases.
Items recovered during the operation include two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, and a General Purpose Machine Gun butt.
Others are a revolver chamber, eight PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles.
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Troops also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the raid.
The rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety and are currently receiving medical attention and care, according to the statement.
The military described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, 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,” the statement added.
The Theatre Command further appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies through timely and credible information sharing to enhance ongoing military operations across the region.
