Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 13 kidnapped victims during separate intelligence-led operations in Zamfara State, following successful engagements with terrorists in Anka and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas.
According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out by troops of Sector 2 based on credible intelligence and real-time surveillance.
The statement said that in the first operation, troops stationed in Bagega responded swiftly to intelligence indicating that armed terrorists were advancing on motorcycles towards Tungan Kudaduku in Anka Local Government Area.
The troops pursued and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee. A follow-up search of the area led to the discovery of a makeshift terrorist camp, where five kidnapped civilians were rescued unharmed.
In a separate operation at Ungwan Rogo in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, the troops acted on intelligence reports of terrorist activity and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle.
The statement said the terrorists retreated under heavy pressure, abandoning eight kidnapped victims who were subsequently rescued by the troops. Two vehicles were also recovered during the operation.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Danja, all 13 rescued victims have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further care and support.
He added that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA continue to dominate the operational area, maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal elements while denying them freedom of movement across the North-West theatre.