Security forces under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued a kidnapped victim, arrested several suspects, and recovered 126 rustled livestock during a series of coordinated operations across Katsina State.
The military announced the successful operations in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops working alongside the Katsina State Community Watch Corps responded to an emergency call on July 26 after suspected terrorists attacked Karkata Village in Charanchi Local Government Area.
The security personnel reportedly engaged the armed criminals in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee and abandon their captive. The rescued victim was unharmed and has since been reunited with her family.
In a separate operation, troops joined forces with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct raids in the Wagin, Tundu Mobi, and Chadawaki communities of Batsari Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a locally made firearm loaded with five cartridges, along with other exhibits. The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
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The military also disclosed that troops, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush along a suspected terrorist route in Yankwani Village, Bakori Local Government Area. During the operation, suspected rustlers transporting stolen livestock were intercepted.
The suspects reportedly fled under military pressure, abandoning 126 animals, comprising 83 cows and 43 sheep.
Authorities said the recovered livestock were handed over to the Chairman of the Peace Keeping Committee in Bakori in the presence of local government officials to facilitate identification and return to their rightful owners.
Commending the troops for the successful operations, the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA praised their bravery and professionalism, assuring residents of Katsina State and the wider North-West that military offensives against terrorist groups would continue until the region is secured.