OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA NEUTRALISES EIGHT TERRORISTS, RESCUES THREE KIDNAP VICTIMS IN NORTH-WEST
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised eight suspected armed terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during coordinated operations in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara States.
Security sources said the operations, conducted between Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three locally fabricated guns, three motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 1 responded to a distress call from farmers at Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area on Saturday, Oct. 24, following reports of terrorist activities.
The troops mobilised to the location and engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, neutralising two of them while others fled.
During the operation, the troops rescued a 42-year-old kidnapped victim, identified as Suleiman Umar.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing ammunition and one motorcycle.
In a separate operation in Kaduna State on the same day, troops of Sector 1, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), neutralised six suspected terrorists during an encounter along Ungwan Iya in Igabi Local Government Area.
The operation followed a distress call reporting an attack by suspected armed terrorists at Ungwan Mallami village, where the assailants reportedly fled with two kidnapped victims.
The sources said troops, while pursuing the fleeing attackers, came under an ambush but responded with superior firepower, neutralising six of the suspected terrorists and forcing others to retreat.
Items recovered during the operation included three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 rescued two kidnapped victims during a surveillance operation in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Sunday, Oct. 25.
The victims were identified as Shehu Chete, 40, and Bugu Bedi, 25, both indigenes of Kebbi State.
According to the sources, troops conducting surveillance in the area observed the activities of suspected terrorists and swiftly advanced on a fighting patrol.
The suspected terrorists reportedly fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning the two victims, who were rescued and evacuated to Bagega Clinic for medical attention.
They were subsequently moved to the military base for further assessment and arrangements for reunion with their families.
The operations brought the total number of rescued kidnapped victims to three, including the victim rescued in Katsina State.
Troops have continued to dominate the affected areas through sustained patrols and search operations aimed at tracking down fleeing terrorists, rescuing other victims and preventing further attacks.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience in responding to the incidents.
He also urged members of the public to support ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
