Troops free 31 captives, kill terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 31 abducted persons and killed five suspected terrorists during coordinated military operations across Zamfara and Katsina states, the Nigerian Army announced.

The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the rescue was carried out by Sector 2 troops along the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. A precision airstrike by the Air Component of the operation first struck terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest before ground forces moved in to clear the area.

The victims, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were rescued during the combined air and ground assault. They include persons from Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum, and Anka local government areas in Zamfara and Sokoto states. Osoba said the freed individuals have received medical attention and would soon be reunited with their families.

In a separate Zamfara operation, troops engaged suspected terrorists along the Maradun–Gidan Dan Jaja axis, killing two and destroying several camps. Locally fabricated rifles and four motorcycles were recovered from the scene.

In Katsina State, troops intercepted a group of suspected terrorists along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area as they reportedly moved to execute an attack. Three terrorists were killed in the ensuing gun battle, with motorcycles and ammunition recovered. The military said one of the dead was a fighter linked to a notorious bandit leader identified as Muhammad Fulani.

The army reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue to intensify operations against criminal elements to restore security across the North-West region.