Troops kill terrorists, rescue three kidnap victims in Zamfara

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed two suspected terrorists, rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered weapons and other items during separate operations in Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

The operations, carried out on June 12, targeted terrorist activities in communities across the two local government areas and led to the destruction of suspected terrorist hideouts.

The Acting Deputy Director of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said troops on patrol encountered suspected terrorists in Yanbuki District of Zurmi Local Government Area after covering Birnin Saba, Yanbuki and Sabon Garin Daudawa communities.

According to him, one suspected terrorist was killed during the exchange of gunfire.

Troops also recovered rifles, four loaded magazines, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, two MP3 players, a woodland camouflage trouser and an inner vest.

Osoba said that as the troops advanced to Sabon Garin Daudawa, the terrorists abandoned their camp and fled due to the superior firepower of the advancing soldiers.

The troops subsequently cleared and destroyed the hideout.

In a separate operation along the Shinkafi-Moriki axis, troops on routine patrol laid an ambush for suspected terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle.

The military said another suspected terrorist was killed during the operation, while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, a Baofeng communication radio, two motorcycles and assorted charms.

The troops also rescued three kidnapped victims during the operations.

According to Osoba, the rescued victims are receiving necessary care and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.

He added that troops are continuing efforts to track down fleeing suspects and prevent the re-establishment of terrorist camps in the affected areas.

The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining patrols and clearance operations aimed at restoring peace and improving security across vulnerable communities in the North-West.

It also urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information that could help identify criminal hideouts and prevent attacks.