During separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states, troops from Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed five suspected terrorists.
Sector 2 forces carried out the operations, which resulted in the demolition of terrorist camps as well as the recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and ammunition.
Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, released this statement on Friday.
According to the statement, the 31 victims were rescued during an operation centred on the Bagega-Kawaye axis in Zamfara State’s Anka Local Government.
According to Osoba, the rescue came after a precision air strike by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as well as a ground assault on terrorist sanctuaries west of Bagega Forest.
The victims, who were purportedly held captive for several weeks, were from communities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
“The kidnapped victims were rescued from captivity 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,” he claimed.
He also stated that the rescued victims had gotten medical care and will be reunited with their relatives.
In a separate operation along Zamfara State’s Maradun-Gidan Dan Jaja axis, troops battled suspected militants, killing two and destroying multiple camp sites.
The military also discovered locally manufactured guns and four motorcycles reportedly used by the accused.
Meanwhile, troops intercepted suspected terrorists on the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Katsina State’s Matazu Local Government Area as they allegedly prepared to launch an attack.
According to the army, three suspected terrorists were killed during the incident, and motorcycles and ammo were recovered.
According to Osoba, one of the suspects slain was a foot soldier affiliated to the famed bandit commander Muhammad Fulani.
He emphasised Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s commitment to ongoing offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups throughout the North-West area.