By Stella Odueme
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled a terrorist ambush in Zamfara State, rescued two abducted herders and recovered 520 livestock in Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on Wednesday, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, were part of ongoing military efforts to curb terrorist activities, protect lives and property, and restore peace across the North-West region.
In Zamfara, troops of Sector 2 came under attack while conducting a fighting patrol along the Anka–Guruzu Road following reports of terrorist activities in the area.
The terrorists reportedly positioned themselves on both sides of the road to ambush the troops.
However, the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat after sustaining heavy casualties, according to the military.
The troops subsequently secured the road and restored freedom of movement for commuters.
One soldier sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter and was evacuated for medical attention. He was reported to be in stable condition.
In a separate operation in Sokoto State, troops foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock and abduct herders at Takasaba Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The military said the troops acted on credible intelligence, mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon 520 livestock and two abducted victims.
The rescued herders were identified as Malam Sulaiman, 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, 14. They were subsequently handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General WB Idris, commended the troops for their courage and fighting spirit.
He urged them to sustain the offensive against terrorist groups and reaffirmed the military's commitment to restoring peace and security across the Joint Operations Area.
Idris also called on residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing military operations.