Troops rescue kidnap victims, foil attacks in Kaduna, Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims, foiled planned terrorist attacks, and arrested several suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations across Kaduna and Zamfara states.

The military said troops of Sector 1 responded to a distress call on June 18 regarding the movement of armed bandits in a forest in Kerawa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

During the operation, the troops rescued three victims identified as 38-year-old Bilkisu Hayatu, 30-year-old Habibah Sadisu, and one-year-old Abdulmutallib Sadisu. The victims had reportedly been abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers upon sighting the advancing troops.

The rescued victims were evacuated to a Primary Healthcare Clinic in Kadage for treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that they were abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17 and were being moved to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before their rescue.

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, working alongside other security agencies, thwarted a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area on June 20.

According to the military, the troops laid an ambush on the outskirts of Gummi Community based on credible intelligence and engaged the approaching terrorists, forcing them to flee under heavy fire.

Security forces subsequently recovered weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and assorted food items believed to belong to the terrorists.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 2 and operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency arrested four suspected violent extremists and informants in Zamfara State. Several incriminating items were recovered, while the suspects remain in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The troops also apprehended a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman, whose conflicting claims about his identity and activities reportedly aroused suspicion.

Meanwhile, troops in Maru Local Government Area repelled another terrorist attack after receiving reinforcements from troops of the 1 Brigade. The military said the troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, who retreated with visible blood trails.

However, three soldiers were killed during the encounter.

In another operation, troops acted on intelligence regarding terrorists moving on motorcycles towards Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area. An aggressive fighting patrol forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat before carrying out any attack.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the bravery and professionalism of the troops and reiterated the military’s determination to sustain offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West.

The command also praised the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies.