Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 13 kidnapped victims and foiled separate terrorist operations during intelligence-led military offensives conducted in Anka and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
The successful operations, according to the military, also led to the destruction of a terrorist hideout and the recovery of two vehicles abandoned by fleeing criminals.
Confirming the development, the Military Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operations were carried out following credible intelligence on the activities and movement of armed terrorists within the affected communities.
Danja disclosed that troops attached to Sector 2 in Bagega received intelligence indicating that a group of heavily armed terrorists riding motorcycles was advancing towards Tungan Kudaduku in Anka Local Government Area.
Acting swiftly on the information, the troops, supported by real-time surveillance and intelligence assets, launched a pursuit operation and intercepted the terrorists before they could execute their mission.
He explained that the soldiers engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon their plans and flee into nearby forests.
Following the encounter, troops carried out a thorough search of the surrounding area, leading to the discovery of a makeshift terrorist camp.
The military spokesman said five kidnapped civilians were found at the camp and rescued without sustaining injuries.
He added that the victims were immediately secured and evacuated from the area.
Danja further disclosed that troops recorded another operational success during a separate mission conducted at Ungwan Rogo in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
According to him, the operation was also initiated after security forces received actionable intelligence on the presence and activities of terrorists within the community.
He said the troops confronted the terrorists in a fierce exchange of gunfire, compelling the armed criminals to retreat after suffering sustained military pressure.
“In a separate operation at Ungwan Rogo, Kaura Namoda LGA, troops acted on credible intelligence of terrorist activity in the area.
“On contact, they engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat in disarray and abandon their captives.
“Eight kidnapped victims were rescued, and two vehicles recovered,” Danja said.
The military spokesman stated that the rescued victims were successfully evacuated from the area and have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further medical attention, profiling and support.
He noted that the operations formed part of ongoing efforts by Operation Fansan Yamma to dismantle terrorist networks, rescue kidnapped victims and restore security across Zamfara State and other parts of the North-West.
Danja assured residents that troops would sustain offensive operations against criminal groups and continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement within the operational theatre.
He added that military forces would maintain dominance across vulnerable communities while intensifying intelligence-driven operations aimed at eliminating terrorist camps and protecting civilians.
The military reiterated its commitment to collaborating with local communities and other security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the region.
