Troops rescue 32 kidnap victims, kill two terrorists in Katsina operation

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North West), operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected terrorists during a major clearance operation in Katsina State.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, took place in the early hours of Friday at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area following intelligence reports on the presence of armed terrorists holding kidnapped victims in the area.

According to a statement by Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA., troops swiftly mobilised to the location after receiving credible intelligence and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

The military said the coordinated assault overwhelmed the criminals, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.

“Troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce and well-coordinated firefight that overwhelmed the terrorists and forced them to abandon their captives while fleeing in disarray,” the statement said.

During the operation, security forces killed two terrorists, while a follow-up exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 32 abducted persons, comprising nine men, 10 women and 13 children.

The military further disclosed that troops destroyed identified terrorist camps and logistics structures within the enclave to prevent the criminals from re-establishing operational bases in the area.

“Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, 15 loaded AK-47 magazines, a General Purpose Machine Gun butt, a revolver chamber, eight PKT ammunition links, a fabricated hand grenade, assorted rounds of ammunition, and 10 motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.

“Troops also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the offensive.

“The rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety, where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support”, the statement added.

Military authorities described the latest operation as another significant breakthrough in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign across the North West.

The statement noted that the sustained successes of Operation FANSAN YAMMA reflect the commitment and resilience of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in the region.

The Theatre Command also commended residents for their continued cooperation with security agencies and urged members of the public to sustain the provision of timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing military operations.