Troops neutralise eight terrorists, rescue three in Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, in separate operations in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States, killed eight suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims.

On October 24 and 25, the operations were conducted and resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three locally fabricated guns, three motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.

Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, in a statement, explained that the troops killed two suspected terrorists during an operation at Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He said that the troops responded to a distress call from farmers who reported terrorist activities in the area, stressing that in the process, the troops engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, killing two while others fled.

According to the statement, “The troops also rescued a 42-year-old man, Suleiman Umar, who was abducted by the terrorists.”

He explained that an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing ammunition and a motorcycle were recovered during the operation.

The troops of Sector One, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), killed six suspected terrorists in a separate incident and foiled an ambush along Ungwan Iya in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The troops also responded to a distress call over an attack on Ungwan Mallami village, where the suspected terrorists abducted two people, adding that in their swift response, they came under attack while pursuing the assailants but responded with superior firepower, killing six of them, while others escaped.

Three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms were abandoned by the terrorists and were recovered during the operation.

The troops of Sector Two in Zamfara State rescued two kidnapped men during a surveillance operation in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area, on Sunday, pointing out that the victims were identified as Shehu Chete, 40, and Bugu Bedi, 25, both indigenes of Kebbi State.

The troops, the statement explained, spotted suspected terrorists during surveillance and launched a fighting patrol, but the assailants fled on sighting the troops, abandoning the two victims.

Sinivie explained that the rescued men were taken to Bagega Clinic for medical attention before being moved to a military base for further assessment and eventual reunion with their families.

The task force said troops were continuing patrols and search operations across the affected areas to apprehend fleeing suspects, rescue other abductees and prevent further attacks.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma commended the troops for their courage and resilience in responding to the incidents.

He urged residents to support the ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.